Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'
Die verborgenen Stimmen der Bücher by Bridget Collins
11 reviews
hannahlou93's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book took my by surprise. First I was drawn in by the stunning cover, the blurb caught my imagination. It had similarities to the “eternal sunshine of a spotless mind” film, is having your greatest regrets or painful memories removed something that is good for us as humans or are we destined to repeat the same actions without the pain as a reminder of them? So of course I bought the book… I always prefer a first person narrative and I enjoyed Emmet’s voice however I must say I found the first part of the book frustrating just due to the quantity of unknowns the character had (I must say that if I was to read the book again now having finished it, I think I’d have enjoyed this section a lot better). Yet, I still found my self liking Emmet, in fact I missed his voice when it changed. This book is bursting with dark truths of magic and yet it all feels kind of real. I’d definitely recommend it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Rape, Suicide, Vomit, and Toxic relationship
uparrowhead's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was definitely a challenging read for me, weaved in the huge emotional plot of the story. It does have a hopeful ending, but there is a lot of darkness and pain that you'd need to get through first. I found it rewarding, however, and a very interesting read that touches on a few issues that are faced both now and throughout history.
Many of the reviews I've read call the book slow-placed. With that, I have to agree. However, I think that the pacing of the book fits the content and story that it tells quite well. At certain points, however, like the climax of the story, I can understand how it was annoying and boring to read through, but I mostly didn't mind it.
Something that I have to appalude Bridget Collins for is her use of language and description. Many of the settings of the book were written out in a way that easily sucked me right into the novel, and the writing in the book was, overall, of high quality.
I really enjoyed the premise of the novel; the idea that you could take someone's memories and bind them into a book that they will forget forever. It gave way and allowed the book to explore darker concepts of society, and made the story much more engaging to read through.
I do believe that certain parts of the story weren't developed as much as they could have been,with the death of Seredith, which seemed to stop effecting Emmett as soon as the book moved into Part Two and Three, and the ending which (although heartwarming) left some questions opened and unanswered in the story. However, I liked how the majority of the plot played out and, despite times where I wanted to throw this book across the room (which I didn't do, courtesy to it's beautiful cover), I was left satisfied and happy in the long-term of the book.
WARNING : The book does change its POVs throughout Part One, Two, and Three of the story. I personally liked how it was executed, but I know it is not for everyone, and a lot of reviews I've read on here say that it was done poorly and left readers confused.
Many of the reviews I've read call the book slow-placed. With that, I have to agree. However, I think that the pacing of the book fits the content and story that it tells quite well. At certain points, however, like the climax of the story, I can understand how it was annoying and boring to read through, but I mostly didn't mind it.
Something that I have to appalude Bridget Collins for is her use of language and description. Many of the settings of the book were written out in a way that easily sucked me right into the novel, and the writing in the book was, overall, of high quality.
I really enjoyed the premise of the novel; the idea that you could take someone's memories and bind them into a book that they will forget forever. It gave way and allowed the book to explore darker concepts of society, and made the story much more engaging to read through.
I do believe that certain parts of the story weren't developed as much as they could have been,
WARNING : The book does change its POVs throughout Part One, Two, and Three of the story. I personally liked how it was executed, but I know it is not for everyone, and a lot of reviews I've read on here say that it was done poorly and left readers confused.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Blood, Chronic illness, Classism, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Outing, Rape, Vomit, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Sexual harassment, and Suicide
Moderate: Alcoholism, Sexism, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Pedophilia
greymalkin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Writing is decent enough and I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the idea of what binders do. But wow does this book feel like it needs to have all the content warnings included.
I didn't much like any of the characters and the terrible abuse of all the female characters (not a single one is spared) was really upsetting. Especially as the male characters tended to be the abusers and awful people and for the most part had zero repercussions or punishment. I also wish that the book had lingered more on the actual bookbinding part instead of just a few descriptions of materials and tools that we never "see" used so we don't know what they do. Since the author has actually taken a lot of bookbinding classes I expected more but it felt more like what someone might add after an evening of googling and youtube videos. Since it was such a huge part of the magic system of the world, I wanted more details. All the bits about "trade" and fakes were intriguing but we never get to interact with them "onscreen". Humans are storytellers, how is that no one has written down stories before? If they didn't, then why isn't there more of an oral tradition? My questions really took me out of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Child abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Grief, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexism, Violence, Child death, Suicide, Hate crime, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Classism, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Self harm
Minor: Racism, Religious bigotry, Torture, Stalking, and Kidnapping
lisa00's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Rape, Alcohol, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Child death, Violence, Vomit, Animal cruelty, Incest, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Gaslighting
lalunablue's review against another edition
dark
slow-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
1.5
I made myself finish this book. I had such high hopes, but I did not like a single character. Scratch that, the one character I liked had minimal time.
I feel when you write about horrible situations and horrible people, the main characters should make you root for them, not shake your head in frustration.
I am disappointed in the lack of world building and what Binders actually do, it was such a neat concept that fell to the wayside.
The queer rep was ... Questionable. I am all for good representation and stories we are so sorely lacking, but this just wasn't it. As much praise as this book has received, I didn't see the appeal.
The writing was beautiful and the only reason it got an additional half star , but that doesn't make up for characters I can't even force myself to care about. There was little to no growth, either.
Overall, it was a profound idea that fell flat and relied far too much on shock and triggering subject matter that shouldn't be the sole purpose of a book.
I feel when you write about horrible situations and horrible people, the main characters should make you root for them, not shake your head in frustration.
I am disappointed in the lack of world building and what Binders actually do, it was such a neat concept that fell to the wayside.
The queer rep was ... Questionable. I am all for good representation and stories we are so sorely lacking, but this just wasn't it. As much praise as this book has received, I didn't see the appeal.
The writing was beautiful and the only reason it got an additional half star , but that doesn't make up for characters I can't even force myself to care about. There was little to no growth, either.
Overall, it was a profound idea that fell flat and relied far too much on shock and triggering subject matter that shouldn't be the sole purpose of a book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Emotional abuse, Animal cruelty, Blood, Animal death, Child abuse, and Suicide
Moderate: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Homophobia, and Vomit
bemaline's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
I should have heeded the content warnings. It don't know that I would recommend it to most, but it was interesting. Could have done without the animal death.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Misogyny, Animal death, Bullying, Dementia, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Classism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Vomit, Classism, Alcohol, Bullying, Adult/minor relationship, and Violence
dnlrbchd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first part of this book is slow and I almost abandoned it but I'm glad I stuck it out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Blood, Suicide, Adult/minor relationship, and Animal death
Moderate: Fatphobia, Confinement, Incest, Child abuse, Rape, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Classism, and Emotional abuse
bill369's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
When I read about the theme of the book, I immediately knew I must read it.
My favourite character is Emmet. He's hard-working, caring, thoughtful. While reading I related to his anger and I could imagine why he did certain actions. I feel as his motives, and his whole personality overall was written flawlessly. I adored, how he always grinned while he was talking to Lucien. It was so sweet. Their story and relationship are truly a work of art and I can't wait to have a deep bond as they had.
The theme is gripping and the reason why I even gave this book a chance. The first part of the book was a little confusing and it took me some time to get into the story, but once I did I couldn't stop reading. The main aspect of the theme was described well and the author uses rich vocabulary, which gave me a hard time since my English isn't perfect. However I did learn many new words and I always could understand what was going on, therefore I take it as a positive. Also, the descriptions are detailed and magical. I love how the author had written the book, I had a great time reading it.
I have many favourite parts. My first favourite lines are on page 260 from the New House. They describe the happiness before it all went wrong.
The lines are:I had never been so happy. I didn't know it was possible. When I woke up in the morning I lay there, incredulous, nearly blinded by it, holding on to the edge of the bed as if I was shipwrecked. I should have been at home, working, but it felt as if I was thinking about someone else's life, not mine. One way or another, the jobs would get done; it was a luxurious pleasure to lie still, listening to the birds, knowing that I was playing truant, not caring. It was late, and the sun was creeping up the side of the bed over the rumpled sheets and Lucian's legs. He slept as though he'd been thrown away, one arm over his head, the veins on his wrist showing blue under the skin. In sleep his face seemed smoother, his mouth wider. I watched him for a long time, imagining him as a child and as an old man. Then, at last, I had to get up; partly because the pleasure of looking at him was too close to pain, and partly because I needed to piss.
The other lines are on page 363 describing Lucian's mixed feelings after he was bound and I just find them heart-touching. The lines are:He opens his mouth. But whatever he wants to say, he doesn't say it. He gives me a tight nod, and turns on his heel. It takes an effort not to watch him leave. His footsteps die away. Now he's gone I notice how cold I am. I'm a fool to trust him. I shouldn't have given him the money. I should have given him more.
Other lines are on page 385 taking place in Seredith's house, I like them because they are pure and full of love. The lines are:He takes his coat off and drops it on the bench. He leans against the wall next to the stove. He's watching me. He smiles. He lowers his head to hide it, but he's definitely smiling.
„What?“
„Nothing.“
„What?“
He raises on shoulder. „I can't help it.“
And lastly one of Lucian's happy memories on the summer with Emmet. Page 437. The lines are:Out of the whirl of memories, one surfaces: a damp, blue evening last spring, when I walked back to the New House from the farm. I'd stayed to dinner, because Emmet had asked me to. When I said goodnight he'd grinned at me, that awkward quick-quenched grin that made me feel like we were the only people in the world. I walked home whistling, dancing on the path like a music-hall turn, laughing softly to myself. I was wearing Emmett's shirt. My heart was so light I could have flown. The memory of it takes my breath away. I didn't know happiness was that simple.
The end was nice, however, I hoped to see and know more. It ended on a good note, but there's just so much that could happen at that moment. I wish there was a sequel. But it was a good ending I won't lie.
I wanted to give it five stars, but it was difficult for me to get into the story and I didn't understand everything, since my vocabulary isn't as extensive as is in the book. Otherwise, I got no complaints.
I will be recommending this one!
My favourite character is Emmet. He's hard-working, caring, thoughtful. While reading I related to his anger and I could imagine why he did certain actions. I feel as his motives, and his whole personality overall was written flawlessly. I adored, how he always grinned while he was talking to Lucien. It was so sweet. Their story and relationship are truly a work of art and I can't wait to have a deep bond as they had.
The theme is gripping and the reason why I even gave this book a chance. The first part of the book was a little confusing and it took me some time to get into the story, but once I did I couldn't stop reading. The main aspect of the theme was described well and the author uses rich vocabulary, which gave me a hard time since my English isn't perfect. However I did learn many new words and I always could understand what was going on, therefore I take it as a positive. Also, the descriptions are detailed and magical. I love how the author had written the book, I had a great time reading it.
I have many favourite parts. My first favourite lines are on page 260 from the New House. They describe the happiness before it all went wrong.
The lines are:
The other lines are on page 363 describing Lucian's mixed feelings after he was bound and I just find them heart-touching. The lines are:
Other lines are on page 385 taking place in Seredith's house, I like them because they are pure and full of love. The lines are:
„What?“
„Nothing.“
„What?“
He raises on shoulder. „I can't help it.“
And lastly one of Lucian's happy memories on the summer with Emmet. Page 437. The lines are:
The end was nice, however, I hoped to see and know more. It ended on a good note, but there's just so much that could happen at that moment. I wish there was a sequel. But it was a good ending I won't lie.
I wanted to give it five stars, but it was difficult for me to get into the story and I didn't understand everything, since my vocabulary isn't as extensive as is in the book. Otherwise, I got no complaints.
I will be recommending this one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment and Vomit
orlagal's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Body shaming, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Homophobia, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Outing, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Vomit
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Binding is the story of Emmett Farmer who, after a health crisis, is sent by his family to become an apprentice bookbinder. Bookbinding in Emmett’s world means something a little different to ours. Bookbinders listen to people’s memories, transcribe them to paper and then bind them into books, in the process wiping the person’s memories of those events. This sounds like a real blessing for those haunted by a traumatic past. But the reality is a lot more complex. It is when highlighting these complexities, the possible disadvantages and the potential for abuse that the book was at it best.
It is a fantasy novel with a setting that feels akin to nineteenth century England with some medieval overtones, but it has a lot to tell us about modern day social and political issues and power imbalances. Who gains and who loses when there are subjects we are told to forget and that are not to be talked about? Memories, personal, institutional, national and global, may be painful but they serve many important functions.
I appreciated the detailed writing which fully immersed me in both the setting and the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. The intense feelings between Emmett and Lucian were especially potent and patent.
I listened to this on audio and in retrospect think I may have been better to read it. The book is divided into three sections, all narrated in the first person, two by Emmett and one by Lucian Darnay. Sadly, the audiobook had just one narrator and it was disconcerting to hear Lucian narrating in Emmett’s voice.
It is a fantasy novel with a setting that feels akin to nineteenth century England with some medieval overtones, but it has a lot to tell us about modern day social and political issues and power imbalances. Who gains and who loses when there are subjects we are told to forget and that are not to be talked about? Memories, personal, institutional, national and global, may be painful but they serve many important functions.
I appreciated the detailed writing which fully immersed me in both the setting and the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. The intense feelings between Emmett and Lucian were especially potent and patent.
I listened to this on audio and in retrospect think I may have been better to read it. The book is divided into three sections, all narrated in the first person, two by Emmett and one by Lucian Darnay. Sadly, the audiobook had just one narrator and it was disconcerting to hear Lucian narrating in Emmett’s voice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Violence