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tj58's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
clevelandbookgirl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Minor: Drug use and Alcohol
thatswhatshanread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I went into this one not knowing much about it, other than it being a BOTM choice that really intrigued me. I think it’s important to let the story do the talking, rather than personal bias or other people’s reviews. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid that, but I think especially with this book, you need to recognize that the scenes are written very deeply in the POV of the MC, a rich and privileged young woman, though troubled and much more than what appears on the surface.
This book dares you to play devil’s advocate for the worst possible scenario you could face as a woman. A case you would immediately fight against. Unthinkable, especially in today’s society. As a woman. As someone identifying as a woman. A daughter. A sister. A mother. A human being.
A sexual assault case. A rich, handsome, white Princeton-educated young man versus the “obsessive” ex-girlfriend. We all know the story, unfortunately all too well.
Where “When We Were Bright and Beautiful” differs is that it’s told from the POV of the accused’s older sister who believes him to be innocent. What ensues with her life, her secrets, her family’s secrets, and the trial as a whole is unsettling and shocking, but far more than just in the ways you’d expect.
Dysfunctional lives of the rich and (in)famous. This is an incredible family drama that’s centered around privilege, control, and power. It’s a sickly accurate view of high society and rape culture, while in some ways being another stepping stone in the never-ending fight to believe victims.
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Confinement, Eating disorder, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Vomit, Medical content, Stalking, Car accident, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Body shaming, Car accident, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail