Scan barcode
A review by bekacrook
Solitaire by Alice Oseman
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Interesting story with complex characters but I just wanted a bit more. At times it felt a little repetitive and the lead up towards certain events felt very obvious.
I did think that Tori was a very distinctive character, she was pessimistic and a little surly but ultimately kind where she could be. She felt like a complete character, made from her experiences as well as her just natural inclination and personality. Her outlook was sometimes hard to listen to though as it was bleak the majority of the time.
Michael was also intriguing and I liked his initial contrast to Tori but how their commonality was shown as time went on and they got to know each other better. He wasn't what he was shown to be on the surface but I liked most of his interactions with Tori.
The Solitaire plotline was an interesting idea, it had moments of surprise but ultimately was quite obvious who was involved and why.
I will say that this book had really good mental health representation. At times, it wasn't even named but was just shown effectively through the characters actions and their thoughts even if they hadn't recognised it in themselves yet. I think it felt honest and integral to the characters without being their only personality traits.
It definitely differs from Heartstopper but it was nice to get to know Tori better.
I did think that Tori was a very distinctive character, she was pessimistic and a little surly but ultimately kind where she could be. She felt like a complete character, made from her experiences as well as her just natural inclination and personality. Her outlook was sometimes hard to listen to though as it was bleak the majority of the time.
Michael was also intriguing and I liked his initial contrast to Tori but how their commonality was shown as time went on and they got to know each other better. He wasn't what he was shown to be on the surface but I liked most of his interactions with Tori.
The Solitaire plotline was an interesting idea, it had moments of surprise but ultimately was quite obvious who was involved and why.
I will say that this book had really good mental health representation. At times, it wasn't even named but was just shown effectively through the characters actions and their thoughts even if they hadn't recognised it in themselves yet. I think it felt honest and integral to the characters without being their only personality traits.
It definitely differs from Heartstopper but it was nice to get to know Tori better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Fire/Fire injury