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A review by brandilovesbooks
She Started It by Sian Gilbert
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Annabelle, Chloe, Ester, and Tanya have been friends since secondary school. They all receive invitations to a hen party from a girl they used to bully. Why not go? The hen party is on an island in the Bahamas, they have first class airfare, and everything has been paid for.
Over the course of 4 days on a private island, the girls learn that maybe Poppy, the bride, hasn't forgotten what they did. They also learn that their friendships are riddled with secrets. Then someone is dead.
Most of the book is told in the present with Annabelle, Chloe, Ester, and Tanya alternating first person narratives. Occasionally, Poppy tells what happened 10 years ago with her diary entries. Each time you read more about how these girls tormented Poppy in the past, you feel more for her. The other characters are truly oblivious to the hurt they caused her.
The prologue is brilliant. You think you know the outcome of the book going into chapter one. But what seems obvious in the prologue becomes very muddied as the story goes on.
She Started It definitely has twists and turns. I had the biggest one figured out early in the book, though.
The ending is ridiculous. So many unanswered questions!
I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read about bullies getting their comeuppance years later and for anyone who enjoys watching female friends turn on each other.
Content warnings- bullying, drinking, drugs, self harm, murder, blood, suicide.
Over the course of 4 days on a private island, the girls learn that maybe Poppy, the bride, hasn't forgotten what they did. They also learn that their friendships are riddled with secrets. Then someone is dead.
Most of the book is told in the present with Annabelle, Chloe, Ester, and Tanya alternating first person narratives. Occasionally, Poppy tells what happened 10 years ago with her diary entries. Each time you read more about how these girls tormented Poppy in the past, you feel more for her. The other characters are truly oblivious to the hurt they caused her.
The prologue is brilliant. You think you know the outcome of the book going into chapter one. But what seems obvious in the prologue becomes very muddied as the story goes on.
She Started It definitely has twists and turns. I had the biggest one figured out early in the book, though.
The ending is ridiculous. So many unanswered questions!
I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read about bullies getting their comeuppance years later and for anyone who enjoys watching female friends turn on each other.
Content warnings- bullying, drinking, drugs, self harm, murder, blood, suicide.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Murder, and Alcohol