Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

When We Were Young by Richard Roper

3 reviews

aameliawoodd's review

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

serendipitysbooks's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 When we Were Young is the story of former best friends Joel and Theo who reconnect after a major rift when they were sixteen. They agree to walk the Thames Path, a distance of 184 miles. Along the way we learn about their childhoods, a secret one kept from the other, the event which led to their estrangement, and the reason Joel made the effort to reconnect with Theo. The ending was both expected and unexpected. Tissues may be needed.

I found this heart-warming and life-affirming, yet it still contained snark and wry self-deprecation (especially from Theo), elements that I very much enjoyed. It was nice to read a story based on ordinary male friendship - female friendships seem far more common in novels, at least the ones I read. The anger at past wrongs and miscommunications was nicely balanced by the joy of reconnection and the bittersweetness of nostalgia.

If I was walking the Thames Path chocolate would be my essential energy and morale booster. What would yours be? 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

beefstew's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings