Reviews

I quite liked this book, which focused on a family's trauma and how it unfolds in a mysterious incident amongst children. I feel like the character of Tom had a weird amount of development, you knew quite a bit about him but not enough, personally I would have liked his character to be a it more or less developed. Overall, very well written and a good expose on intergenerational trauma.

Content Warnings

aasnur's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

bretts_book_stack's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

nrldyer's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I shouldn't have read so many reviews of this book as it raised my expectations. However, it was a gripping story and she writes/wrings out character very well. It is v much a book of the sad Irish genre, reminded me of Annie Mac's similar book. I liked the 30 year old timing as it allowed reflections on the media then and the deep interest in depravity which then was somehow deflated through the hacking inquiry. Tom as a character felt like a device rather than a rounded character, the story is really about the family and the tensions that toreqnd what neglect can do to a child. Impressive nonetheless.

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