A review by tyraarane
This Is Not a Dead Girl Story by Kate Sweeney

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

4.0

This was a difficult book to read, and an even trickier one to review. As another reviewer noted, it's less of a mystery story and more an exploration of grief, young love (both requited and not), and the violence done to women and girls. Because of its subject matter it won't be for everyone, for certain, but I think this is one of the best handlings of those subjects I've read in a very long time. The last 50-75 pages in particular were un-put-down-able. 

Read the content warnings before you pick this one up and make sure you're in the right head space for it--but if you are, I think you'll find a well-realized, sympathetic cast of characters whose problems and experiences feel heartbreakingly real.
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