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jennifer_bush_73's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
When We Were Bright and Beautiful starts out like it’s going to be a story about whether or not Billy, the good-looking, privileged youngest son of the wealthy Quinn family, raped his ex-girlfriend (shades of Brock Turner), as told by the family’s adopted daughter Cassie. But it turns out that this is a story about the family’s secrets, which are much worse than acquaintance rape, which is horrifying in its own right.
The final twist is a gut punch.
When the Quinn family is measured against the old AA adage, “We're only as sick as our secrets,” the Quinns are very sick.
It’s a compelling story, but be aware of the triggers before starting. (Rape, violence, child sexual abuse, grooming children, mental illness).
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Minor: Drug use and Death of parent
linnyb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent
isabellareadsalot's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual harassment
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child abuse, Cursing, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, 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
jnpompe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Infidelity, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Incest, Gaslighting, and Classism