frankieclc's review against another edition
5.0
boys don’t cry but frankie does
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Grief, Child death, Terminal illness, and Cancer
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Sexual harassment
leny_ba99's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mflude's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautiful book that gives just enough for you to feel what the characters are dealing with. The way it is written, the impending sense of dread, the two points of view. They all perfectly give you that sense of grief that the author is conveying. It is truly authentic.
However, there is not much to "get" from this book in a sense. It is what it is, a sad story about a sick child and the struggles of his family after his death. There is no deeper meaning or message to take home, it will simply make you sad.
However, there is not much to "get" from this book in a sense. It is what it is, a sad story about a sick child and the struggles of his family after his death. There is no deeper meaning or message to take home, it will simply make you sad.
katrin_loves_books's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
mostardentlyalice's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Set in Dublin, Fíona Scarlett’s debut novel splits its narration between brothers Finn and Joe, with one set in the past while the other surges painfully into the present. Through snatches of pages, chapters hurtle past in a coming of age story that runs parallel with grief, gang violence, and social class.
I had preconceived ideas of what Boys Don’t Cry would be about, and I was surprised to find something slightly different. While the heart achingly sad territory it covered was expected (there’s a pretty big warning sign in the title of the book, but just a heads up - things get real emotional 🥲), what I was most enamoured with was the beautifully tender relationship at its core between the two brothers.
Joe wrestles with being the head of the family in the absence of his father, risking his own potential in order to provide, all while lifting the spirits of Finn with comical sketches of his school teachers.
Unsurprisingly (because I am made of stone when it comes to books and films) Alice did not cry. Still, I can see why many were so moved by it. I sadly think that this one fell victim to the hype and the expectation I had to completely and utterly love it.
In part, I also struggled with its formatting. While illness shouldn’t be used as a plot device to give the element of surprise, knowing the outcome at the beginning of the book combined with the flitting narration between the brothers, as well as the past and the present, kept me at arms length from truly getting lost in these characters.
Admittedly, the ending also felt a bit rushed and, if I understood it correctly, wrapped things up a touch too perfectly - ribbon and all. Coming in at sub-300 pages, I so wished for further development, though I’m certain Fíona Scarlett’s storytelling will only further blossom.
cldvo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
brewtifulfiction's review against another edition
5.0
If you choose to read a book this year, let it be this one.
Those boys will stay with me for a long time.
A short yet emotional and powerful read.
We follow two boys. Brothers. Joe and Finn.
Both good lads, trying to do the right thing as they navigate their way through childhood/teenage life. Doing their best, making choices that feel right, that seem necessary.
Now this is a hard book to review, I don't want to put in spoilers as that would tarnish the impact that this story provides.
What I will say that it is utterly moving.
Authentic, honest, raw.
I'd be surprised if anyone could read it without tearing up even just a little.
There is tragedy held within the pages.
Simple, genuine and touching. I felt every single word that I read.
Fiona has created a piece of literature that for me is unforgettable.
Those boys will stay with me for a long time.
A short yet emotional and powerful read.
We follow two boys. Brothers. Joe and Finn.
Both good lads, trying to do the right thing as they navigate their way through childhood/teenage life. Doing their best, making choices that feel right, that seem necessary.
Now this is a hard book to review, I don't want to put in spoilers as that would tarnish the impact that this story provides.
What I will say that it is utterly moving.
Authentic, honest, raw.
I'd be surprised if anyone could read it without tearing up even just a little.
There is tragedy held within the pages.
Simple, genuine and touching. I felt every single word that I read.
Fiona has created a piece of literature that for me is unforgettable.
h_c_s's review against another edition
2.0
Full of cliché (the "not like other poors" gifted working class kid fighting to rise above his station with a scholarship to a posh school trope
ohhellograce's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0