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jennifer_bush_73's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
This is one of the most disturbing books I’ve read in a long time. I had nightmares after I finished it, and then I couldn’t sleep for the rest of the night.
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).
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).
Content Warnings
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
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