A review by ellissej
Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

challenging dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was a promising concept but one too many tropes were included. The characters were almost trying too hard to be complex and so lacked complexity in any authentic way. Certain of the characters, like Victoria - the stepmother, seemed to be "throw away" characters and it would have been great to have had more of her perspective and story told. I found the titular character completely unlikeable and found it problematic that her growth centred so wholly around her relationship with Sagan. Her attempted suicide was clumsily handled and inauthentic and it felt as though the story ended before it was actually over or fully told, I think it would have benefited from a proper epilogue. It also really bothered me the way the Syrian conflict was referenced in Sagan's backstory. The author had a great opportunity to also help educate people about this conflict and missed an opportunity to include resources at conclusion of the novel (as she did with the suicide / depression support). Probably my last Colleen Hoover book as this is now the fourth or fifth one that I've not quite enjoyed.
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