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karaayers's review against another edition
3.0
Quick summary: This is a family drama that follows the aftermath of a sexual assault on a young man.
What I liked: I appreciated the depth of these characters and the storytelling that considered that both our past and underlying personality can impact how we respond to trauma. I also liked the act of shining a light on sexual assault within the gay community and how stigma/homophobia worsens the trauma of these experiences for victims.
What didn't do it for me: I felt like I trudged through this one. It was too slow-paced to feel like a thriller until it picked up at the end.
This was a 3-star read for me, which is an admirable average. I'm glad I read/finished it but wouldn't necessarily highly recommend it to others. If any of the unique story elements really stand out to you, you might enjoy it more.
What I liked: I appreciated the depth of these characters and the storytelling that considered that both our past and underlying personality can impact how we respond to trauma. I also liked the act of shining a light on sexual assault within the gay community and how stigma/homophobia worsens the trauma of these experiences for victims.
What didn't do it for me: I felt like I trudged through this one. It was too slow-paced to feel like a thriller until it picked up at the end.
This was a 3-star read for me, which is an admirable average. I'm glad I read/finished it but wouldn't necessarily highly recommend it to others. If any of the unique story elements really stand out to you, you might enjoy it more.
denisestone's review against another edition
4.0
The Damage was a powerful read about the lengths people will go for family and love. It tells the story of a sexual assault and the ripples that occur.
Themes of rape, justice, and revenge. High recommended.
*I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for my honest review.
Themes of rape, justice, and revenge. High recommended.
*I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for my honest review.
danielle67's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to this on audio which might have influenced this rating. While it is an interesting premise, it just goes on much too long.
constantreader_nic's review against another edition
4.0
4 1/2 stars. An intense read, highlighting a subject that is not discussed much-male sexual assault victims. This one really highlighted the ways men don’t feel safe admitting their victimization. Excellent writing, very strong characters, and unlike other reviews that I have seen, I thought the ending was well done and subtle enough to let you draw your own conclusions.
love4lele's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, this book exhausted me. First, I love the concise chapters. It makes a book go so much faster for me. I love the way it told the story from different perspectives and characters. It deals with sexual assault, so a trigger warning is necessary. I try not to give spoilers in my reviews, but I did not see the ending coming until it was upon me! I wasn't sure where the story would take me, but it didn't take me where it ended up until I was ready to be there, if that makes sense. I found my mind racing with all the possibilities, and it was the best kind of ending because while I didn't necessarily see it coming, it didn't surprise me. The author did a good job writing about our moral and human choices and how the world of right and wrong is not binary but unbelievably nuanced. It's really hard to human, especially if someone you love has been traumatized and hurt. She wrote relatable characters because they were painfully flawed, just doing their best to live life, raise their families, and be good people. I really enjoyed this read, the ending will stay with me for a while, and I feel the best book hangover creeping in.
gemmasbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
This book covers a topic that is rarely talked about; the sexual assault of a man. The book covers the emotional trauma of the victim as well as how it affects the family and it creates an intense novel in which I had no idea what was going to happen next. It is quite a slow read with POVs from Nick, the victim, Julia, the sister in law and Detective Rice and it has two timelines in 2015 and 2019. The twist at the end was brilliant and I am impressed that this was a debut.
* I received a copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review *
* I received a copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review *
emilyhorsmann's review against another edition
5.0
This book reads like an episode of Law and Order SVU. I liked that the chapters alternated view points of the different characters. This book was hard to put down.
TW: Sexual & domestic violence
TW: Sexual & domestic violence