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silverbirch's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
Graphic: Cancer, Gun violence, and Violence
meeklovestoread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I understand how many found this story emotional and a phenomenal piece on Dublin and the effects of gang culture and how classism plays a role. However, I felt like the issues this book was tackling were very surface-level. Joe didn't seem like a flushed-out enough character in my opinion and I don't we got enough insight into his grieving for his brother. Also, I was expecting more emotional interactions with the two brothers considering the blurb portrayed them to be very close.
I'd also like to point out that I'm not familiar with Dublin culture so many of the phrases used were very unfamiliar to me and I just didn't vibe with the way that this book was written. And the ending of this book felt very underwhelming and inconclusive
Graphic: Cancer, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, and Violence
Minor: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Classism
ashalinggg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Death
writingcaia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.75
This book is a portrayal of loss, sudden, and cruel, and of the poverty and crime cycle which is as shown very hard to escape, hard to survive, no matter if you’re given other opportunities, which shows how strong the pull of family and expectations are, that one can turn away from the chance to leave the slums behind just to fit into the expected role and future.
From the beginning you know it’s going to hurt, it hurts from the get go.
Beautiful writing, and very insightful story. Loved it! Only wish it went on… it’s my own preference for longer books, longer endings.
Graphic: Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Terminal illness, Violence, Police brutality, Medical content, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
lotties_booked's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Gun violence and Sexual harassment
roemfr's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Cancer, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
aquaria127's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
travelseatsreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This heartbreakingly beautiful and tender story is told with alternating chapters from each of the boys perspectives. This was so affective as it allows the reader to see the varied themes (poverty, crime, domestic violence, cancer & grief) through each of the boys eyes.
The writing is tender yet captivating. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down and had to finish it in one sitting. Fiona beautifully portrays the unbreakable bond between Joe and Finn and just how besotted they are with each other.
I also really enjoyed the female characters within this book, each one appeared to be trying to cope with the hand they had been dealt and made often hard choices to try to better themselves and those around them.
This is a gorgeous story, brimming with equal amounts of love and sorrow that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Graphic: Cancer, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Violence, Grief, and Murder
helendipietro's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Cancer, Domestic abuse, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Violence