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confusible's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was definitely not my usual read but I enjoyed shaking it up. I would not have thought it was possible to write an entire novel in deadpan and have it be engaging but Dermansky managed it. My interest was peaked right at the beginning reading about Allison’s move to the beach house. The monotone style gave the whole book a surreal feeling that fit well with the storyline, so much of it being things that happen to Allison that are out of her control. Her reactions to events were often strange but that was part of the point right? Life doesn’t always make sense. I felt bad for Allison and Danny and Allison’s mother. They all seemed like people who wanted connection but never really got it, only some kind of surface level imitation of it. I did like that Allison was judgmental, it was interesting reading thoughts about people I might have but wouldn’t say out loud . I’m on the fence about reading more Dermansky because the surreality of this book messed with my head a bit. I think it will stick with me but I’m not sure I want more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Violence
annoyedhumanoid's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-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
4.25
(adjusted from 4 to 4.25)
the writing style was alright, like why don't characters use contractions in dialogue. that's so weird. but i loved the main character. she just wanted to swim and that's it. me too girlie. i wish there was more at the end though, like a confirmation thatshe wasn't pregnant .
also Fleabag reference. we stay winning
the writing style was alright, like why don't characters use contractions in dialogue. that's so weird. but i loved the main character. she just wanted to swim and that's it. me too girlie. i wish there was more at the end though, like a confirmation that
also Fleabag reference. we stay winning
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
suzyreadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
3.0
gifted to me by knopf!
a good beach read. it really hits the ground running. weird, choppy, propulsive despite the lulls in plot. really funny moments, really tender moments about grief and family, lots of ridiculousness. you can easily breeze through it all, even the parts veering on horror, because Allison’s narration jumps all over the place due to her very recent brain injury.
but i am tired of authors deciding to prove a character’s unlikeability by having them make random microaggressions! and let's stop using mental illness as the antagonist’s motivations!
a good beach read. it really hits the ground running. weird, choppy, propulsive despite the lulls in plot. really funny moments, really tender moments about grief and family, lots of ridiculousness. you can easily breeze through it all, even the parts veering on horror, because Allison’s narration jumps all over the place due to her very recent brain injury.
but i am tired of authors deciding to prove a character’s unlikeability by having them make random microaggressions! and let's stop using mental illness as the antagonist’s motivations!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Domestic abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use and Racism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts