Reviews

Love & Virtue by Diana Reid

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kat_ellison's review against another edition

4.0

so true that white men are never blamed for their actions but I think the irony of the outcomes, while inevitable, could be lost on some. youthful naivety is accurately correlative with the lack of a determined (or, less harshly, solidified) sense of self, but there is some biting truth to the fact that young 20-somethings are just doing the best they can (and Reid makes a solid attempt at portraying the complexity of managing intersectional issues). also paul sucks and the vernacular is amusingly unrealistic. a 3.5 for me

absj's review against another edition

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2.0

So deeply disappointed with this book. A story that has the potential to illustrate and highlight very real narratives of sexism, classism and power imbalances instead comes across as misogynistic and unnecessarily antagonising.

jaclyncrupi's review against another edition

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4.0

Love & Virtue is a book about privilege, entitlement and power. It’s set at a university college, something I didn’t know existed in Australia until I started university (but that’s another story). It’s deeply interesting that a novel published in 2021 is dealing with and referencing subject matter Garner grappled with (albeit inadequately) in The First Stone. We are still very much here. Reid’s insights and restraint are wildly impressive. I could feel how she must have carved and styled this work and how easy it would have been to make it heavy handed, something she avoids beautifully. Her commentary on class and consent is timely and provocative and I loved it. The way she extrapolated out to questions of moral impoverishment was delicious. I continue to struggle with the much used literary student–professor relationship trope as a way to talk about power but again, here we are. This book is impressive and so very timely – you’re definitely going to want to read it.

honorpowell's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

brookereadsoccasionally's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5✨

ssaammii's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

This novel resonated with me due to the familiarity of the setting and context which I myself have lived. I do not think I would have been as compelled had it not been for the mirror it seemed to provide for the relationships I had during my late teens and early 20s.

Content Warnings

xan_'s review against another edition

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5.0

I've never read such a relatable book. I could see myself and the people around me in every character and environment. Love critiquing class and wealth at university. Every Australian uni student should have to read