Scan barcode
jtpgdavey's review
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Misogyny, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, Toxic friendship, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Cursing, Racism, Gaslighting, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Homophobia
Minor: Pedophilia, Lesbophobia, and Adult/minor relationship
stellahadz's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved the writing style of Post-Traumatic. Johnson articulates the main character Vivian's thoughts in a sharp and concise but also accessible and easily picturable way. Vivian has been through some shit, to put it mildly, but instead of focusing heavily on the traumatic events of her past, the book deals with the way they inform the present-day events of her life. There's something refreshing about Johnson choosing to focus on Vivian's development and how she learns to care for herself; it's an antidote to "trauma porn," which can sometimes feel overdone and somewhat voyeuristic. While Vivian's thoughts and behaviors are extreme, the way she relays her feelings and interactions with friends and romantic interests is deeply relatable. I especially loved the scenes where she and her best friend, Jane, discuss their lives and shared experiences. Post-Traumatic is a "slice-of-life" novel, but with a dark-humor twist. It's a fantastic debut novel and I look forward to reading more of Johnson's work.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Eating disorder, Sexual content, Child abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Body shaming, Pedophilia, Homophobia, and Animal cruelty
More...