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khanyisile13's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.5
I have many feelings about this book because this book has many feelings. You really feel like you’re in Frances’ head, and a great deal of the time, it’s uncomfortable. I found myself wanting to sit down and talk to her, but knowing all too well that she’s the kind of person who wouldn’t take it well at any given moment. It’s such an interesting book, and none of the characters are loveable. They all kinda suck as people even though they speak so much about morality and ethics and politics. I would not like to know any of them in real life, but the entertainment values of their decisions keeps you reading. It was sad, and hilarious, and frightening, and I was on the edge of my seat, but then I would also not want to read anymore. I enjoyed reading this book, but in some ways this book was not enjoyable — because the feelings and the thoughts are such a sandstorm you can get caught in them, knowing very well they are not your feelings or thoughts. I both hated and loved how the characters communicated to each other, and was constantly confused about how they felt about each other. And then I remembered that this book is from a certain perspective and it’s up to the reader to decide whether or not to trust that perspective. I think that’s important to ask while you’re reading a Sally Rooney book, to ask yourself if you trust the realities of the person telling the story, because Rooney puts you deep inside their mind and you’re just along for the ride whether you like it or not. What a conflicting, extremely well written read. I’m glad to have read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, and Blood