Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh

6 reviews

bj66rk's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

"you're the devil, he tells me, quite amicably.

i love you, i tell him in return."

— GODDD I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!! this book is insane. ohhh this reminds me sososo much of the film the piano teacher, how being starved from love and intimacy can bring you to acting in depraved ways like a famished animal. how the main character allows herself to be taken advantage of simply because she wants someone to take notice of her and desire her. its gut wrenching and the language of this book describes those thoughts PERFECTLY!! i couldnt put this down and i wouldve finished it in one sitting if i could

definitely on the stranger and darker side, i wouldnt recommend this to everyone but if you enjoy media like the piano teacher you will eat this up (lol)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Gaslighting

Minor: Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts

laurahartfield's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Fire/Fire injury

evavaale's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Toxic friendship

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Self harm, and Sexual content

celticthistle's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, and Gaslighting

bronzeageholly's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

There were incredibly sculpted moments in this book, but the majority of the pacing was not for me. Despite the short length, I found it difficult to keep going and often had to convince myself to come back to it with the thought that there might be another brilliantly written section coming up. I saw it described as a “fever” and I think that fits it perfectly - the highs and lows of temperature. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes beautifully crafted characters who it’s hard to wholly like or hate. 

The main character experiences a lot of obsessive thoughts around sex, bodies, eating, and violence, and I would not recommend this book to anyone who might find this triggering.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail

madamelacy's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

The cursed bread almost seems quite peripheral until towards the end of the book. However, this is a gripping tale of a woman who becomes infatuated with a couple who move into the village. Disturbing, bizarre things start to happen and hilarity does not ensue. Highly recommend. Read trigger warnings though.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Drug use, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail