kendranineill's review against another edition
dark
slow-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
3.5
roses_are_read's review against another edition
3.5
O'Neill successfully incorporates many manifestations of childhood trauma and insecure attachment along with some common coming-of-age elements. While the behavioral catalysts of the female protagonist are presented, they are not strongly developed/linked which could lead a reader to find her frustrating, unlikable, selfish, and superficial instead of deeply wounded. The pieces seem to hang in the air and the reader is responsible for pulling them down and putting them together.
The story is told in a "then" and "now" format; however, these time periods are not entirely distinct. The protagonist engages in cycles of self-destructive decisions. She has low self-worth, seeks external validation, shuns support, forms unhealthy attachments, etc. Had this been written in a linear fashion, the reader may better see signs of personal growth/subtle shifts.
There is not a final wrap-up. The protagonist experiences changes and walks off the page.
This is a fast read that provides a snapshot of how trauma and attachment style can impact relationships with ourselves and with others.
The story is told in a "then" and "now" format; however, these time periods are not entirely distinct. The protagonist engages in cycles of self-destructive decisions. She has low self-worth, seeks external validation, shuns support, forms unhealthy attachments, etc. Had this been written in a linear fashion, the reader may better see signs of personal growth/subtle shifts.
There is not a final wrap-up. The protagonist experiences changes and walks off the page.
This is a fast read that provides a snapshot of how trauma and attachment style can impact relationships with ourselves and with others.
prufrockpreptooth's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-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
3.5
It's a hard book. Sarah is the imperfect, but aren't we all? And she falls to hard, she can't think of anything else, breaking all her friendship in the way. She quite destructive. But nonetheless, we get out of the book with the very clear feeling that she didn't deserve it - because it's NEVER the victim's fault. And it's an important book, once again, that Louise O'Neill signed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent, Infidelity, and Vomit
Minor: Cancer, Alcoholism, and Pregnancy
itchyfeetreader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
dobbyhasnomaster's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved flawed main characters whose actions I can still understand to some extent.
carmen_jimenezv's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first Louise O'Neill novel that I read and I can honestly say that it lived up to the hype. I found it compelling and the writing was truly beautiful. Even though I didn't like the main character too much, I found myself wondering what was going to happen to her and if she was ever going to find a way out of the situation she was living.
I give it 3.5 stars because I wanted Sarah to realise how she had been acting with her family, her friends, at work etc and I because really wanted her to find redemption. However, the ending left me feeling a bit empty and I am still wondering if she ends up finding what she had been looking for.
A very realistic tale of obsession, life, friendship and feelings that won't disappoint the reader.
I give it 3.5 stars because I wanted Sarah to realise how she had been acting with her family, her friends, at work etc and I because really wanted her to find redemption. However, the ending left me feeling a bit empty and I am still wondering if she ends up finding what she had been looking for.
A very realistic tale of obsession, life, friendship and feelings that won't disappoint the reader.
notlikethebeer's review against another edition
2.0
I was really excited about this, but it didn't really follow through. I don't know, I feel like it set up a lot but just didn't do the set-up justice. It wasn't bad, but not as great as it could have been, especially knowing how incredible O'Neill is.
serenalawless's review against another edition
5.0
As beautiful and addictive as the books that preceded it, Almost Love has O'Neill's usual unflinching narrative and an acute grasp of the human condition. I was reeling for days after reading it, in the best possible way.
sangavisugumar's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, and Domestic abuse