A review by chaptersofchase
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A

4.0

Bright Young Women 💛

Genre: Mystery
Trope: True Crime
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 9.19.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆

"Things grow differently when they've been damaged, showing us how to occupy strange new ground to bloom red instead of green. We can be found brighter than before."

The author of Bright Young Women, Jessica Knoll, did an incredible job telling the story of two women whose lives were entwined because of the acts of one monster. Instead of making this BYW about 'the defendant,' Knoll makes this about the women. She was able to shine a light on how the criminal justice system lets women down time and time again by disregarding their intuition and intelligence. 

While there are parallels between Bright Young Women and a well-known serial killer, the story isn't about this man but the women who had their futures taken from them. I was left with a deep appreciation for Knoll's care and concern in this novel. She gave a voice to the victims of violent crimes respectfully and truthfully.

✌🏼 Dual timeline
🗣️ Multiple POV'S
💨 Starts off running
✂️ Could've been just a bit shorter
👩🏽‍⚖️ Accurate descriptions of courtroom

❌ graphic description of sexual assault & murders

If you enjoyed reading The Night Swim by Megan Goldin, I recommend reading Bright Young Women.


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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault

Moderate: Gore and Violence