Scan barcode
kristenbynoe's review
dark
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Drug use, Genocide, Racism, Self harm, Sexual violence, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Colonisation
helenaramsay's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I can see the appeal of this book and why it is nominated for the WPF 2024. I think the themes are interesting and significant, and the story is very emotionally powerful, but the tone just wasn't for me. The protagonist refers to her "irreverent" tone throughout the book and though this is accessible in some places, in others it comes off like a naive teenager's inner monologue, and sometimes it seems to lack the gravity required by what's going on for the character. It can also be a bit condescending at times, and seems more fitting for a YA book. I also struggled at times with the protagonist's journey. Her spiral into a mental breakdown was heartbreaking and very dark, layered with the trauma of the character's wider experience and post-natal depression. I think this was hugely emotive and thought-provoking, and that this aspect of the book definitely warrants the WPF nomination, but personally made it very difficult for me to keep going and I had to skim the last 30% or so to not DNF. Overall, a good book for people ready for a heavy, emotional, yet accessible and conversational style read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Sexual violence