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shortstackz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Bright Young Women takes the victims of a serial killer and breathes much needed life back into their stories. There have been countless stories of the defendant told throughout the years, and we have all heard his name. Until now the stories of his victims hadn't been told.
We mainly follow the story of Denise, a college student at Florida State who was brutally murdered by the defendant. Instead of glorifying him for being mediocre, this narrative shines a bright interrogation light directly on his incompetence and all the careless police work that led to his success. Our main POV is told from Pamela, who was best friends with Denise. Pamela is articulate, ambitious, and smart, yet somehow her narrative wasn't believed by police or press over the defendant.
The misogyny of law and victim blaming is alarming. The prose holds a primary tone of accountability with undertones of feminine rage. I loved every minute of getting to know the sorority girls as they were, HE has had enough fame. It's their story now.
We mainly follow the story of Denise, a college student at Florida State who was brutally murdered by the defendant. Instead of glorifying him for being mediocre, this narrative shines a bright interrogation light directly on his incompetence and all the careless police work that led to his success. Our main POV is told from Pamela, who was best friends with Denise. Pamela is articulate, ambitious, and smart, yet somehow her narrative wasn't believed by police or press over the defendant.
The misogyny of law and victim blaming is alarming. The prose holds a primary tone of accountability with undertones of feminine rage. I loved every minute of getting to know the sorority girls as they were, HE has had enough fame. It's their story now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Stalking, and Murder
maddiet425's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.5
So many people see Ted Bundy as an evil genius. This book says that there is more to the story; he was just a good liar who was protected by law enforcement and by the media. I love how this story doesn’t focus on Bundy, but on the victims and their friends and family. It also doesn’t describe gory details simply for shock value, and detailed descriptions of assaults are written in a way that is extremely respectful to the victims. However, I can’t say I loved this story overall, The multiple timelines and POV’s were hard to keep straight and I found it difficult to relate to and understand the characters. Multiple storylines were left unfinished, and I ended the book wanting to know more. It’s such a shame because I absolutely love the idea of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Child abuse and Child death
pernillelsk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicide, Police brutality, Death of parent, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Kidnapping
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