A review by librar_bee
But How Are You, Really by Ella Dawson

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective 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? Yes

5.0

5 stars. Dawson's debut is incredibly heartfelt, with the characters leaping off of the page and directly into my mind long after I turned the last page. The post-grad mental health slump chokes the motivations and actions of our protagonist, Charlotte, in a way that is all too relatable. Through reading Charlotte's story, I felt empathy for my younger self and everyone else I knew who couldn't put words to their struggles during times of difficulty.

A blend of personal growth, teeth-gnashing tension, love story, and found family, But How Are You, Really? embodies the importance of queer community and its potential to be a haven for anyone under the umbrella. I was enthralled with every page of this deeply bisexual novel and am grateful that it exists.