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popcornreading's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Panic attacks/disorders, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Child abuse
annreadsabook's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
POST-TRAUMATIC is a visceral and unflinching look at trauma and all of its dimensions, and overall quite the impressive debut novel from lawyer/writer Chantal V. Johnson. POST-TRAUMATIC intimately portrays one Afro-Latina lawyer’s struggle with both the trauma she sustained growing up and her family’s continued dysfunction.
Johnson’s novel seats the reader in the heart of a thoroughly non-linear struggle with not only the trauma of horrendous concrete events, but the ongoing trauma of being Black in the United States, where one’s life is constantly bombarded with a million small and large affronts and indignities. I found interesting Johnson’s question of what one owes one’s family, particularly applied to Black and brown people whose families are often wounded and divided by the State and other intervening forces. Can one live fully while still engaging with the people who were active participants in your trauma? Is cutting out of the family altogether the “right” solution? What is necessary for one to move beyond the pain—and is that even possible?
Sometimes the dialogue, particularly between Vivian and her best friend Jane, came across as unrealistically verbose and academic, and it felt as though the characters in those scenes were only vehicles for directly conveying the author’s own thoughts. I’m not sure it’s necessarily a problem in its own right, but from a stylistic perspective it could become a bit tiresome (although perhaps these moments were modeled on Socratic dialogue, which would make sense considering Johnson’s a lawyer!) I would also like to throw out a strong word of caution for anyone considering this book, as it deals very heavily with fatphobia, ED, sexual abuse, mental illness and forced institutionalization.
Overall, however, this is a strong debut and I will definitely be on the lookout for Johnson’s work in the future.
Johnson’s novel seats the reader in the heart of a thoroughly non-linear struggle with not only the trauma of horrendous concrete events, but the ongoing trauma of being Black in the United States, where one’s life is constantly bombarded with a million small and large affronts and indignities. I found interesting Johnson’s question of what one owes one’s family, particularly applied to Black and brown people whose families are often wounded and divided by the State and other intervening forces. Can one live fully while still engaging with the people who were active participants in your trauma? Is cutting out of the family altogether the “right” solution? What is necessary for one to move beyond the pain—and is that even possible?
Sometimes the dialogue, particularly between Vivian and her best friend Jane, came across as unrealistically verbose and academic, and it felt as though the characters in those scenes were only vehicles for directly conveying the author’s own thoughts. I’m not sure it’s necessarily a problem in its own right, but from a stylistic perspective it could become a bit tiresome (although perhaps these moments were modeled on Socratic dialogue, which would make sense considering Johnson’s a lawyer!) I would also like to throw out a strong word of caution for anyone considering this book, as it deals very heavily with fatphobia, ED, sexual abuse, mental illness and forced institutionalization.
Overall, however, this is a strong debut and I will definitely be on the lookout for Johnson’s work in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, and Forced institutionalization
tetedump's review
dark
emotional
funny
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Self harm, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, Alcohol, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Incest, Murder, Pedophilia, Police brutality, Rape, Physical abuse, and Vomit
graceesford's review
dark
emotional
funny
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Rape, and Misogyny
Minor: Mental illness and Police brutality
blkbookbae's review
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Mental illness, Fatphobia, Child abuse, Animal death, Eating disorder, Stalking, Forced institutionalization, Animal cruelty, Police brutality, and Misogyny
Minor: Rape and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
katieb1034's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Rape, Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
kirstym25's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Child abuse
travelseatsreads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Post-Traumatic is an intense, messy and quite dark character study which focuses on trauma and the longstanding impact it has had on our protagonist, Vivian. This is a book which a lot of people may not get or indeed be in the right head space for right now but for those who find it at the right time it is a powerful look at the aftermath of trauma on the mind and body which will have a deep and meaningful impact. While it's not a book I can say I technically 'enjoyed' reading I certainly took so much from it and am so glad I read it.
It's quite astonishing that this is a debut novel because in all honesty the level of writing is quite unlike any I've read before. I was completely struck by how Johnson was able to convey the feeling of hypervigilance so well within the pages and on so many occasions I felt myself there at one with Vivian in a state of over analytical hyper vigilant stupor. The constant unease of hypervigilance is an incredibly hard state to even describe yet somehow Johnson makes it jump straight from the pages.
Trauma and its effects seems to be quite a fashionable topic within fiction at the moment, however, for the most part the stories are woven around a girl who is deeply broken, unable to function or even in some cases has resorted to enforcing her own trauma on others. Chantal deserves huge praise for showcasing a girl who has experienced overwhelming trauma and is still living. Sure, she may be damaged and have a multitude of bad coping mechanisms that cause her to make many bad choices, but within Vivian the author shows us someone can experience a huge amount of trauma and still be a fun, vibrant and contributing person.
Something which is also rarely spoken about normally yet is dealt with amazingly within Post-Traumatic is the concept of estrangement from a biological family or family members. On the rare occasion you see it referenced within books it's a throwaway side plot with little significance and is usually down to something trivial making it seem like a totally taboo concept. However, Chantal gives it the full fleshed airing it deserves and really questions at what point is blood thicker than water and when is the right time to step away. Post-traumatic highlights the importance of self-care and having the ability to walk away from hugely damaging situations despite the social stigma and creating your own chosen family which is right and safe for you.
Despite, the book showcasing such dark and intense subject matters there is an overwhelming sense of humour and wit bubbling through its pages. Vivian exhibits a survivor's gallows humour and is able to make jokes where others would shirk away in horror. Her deeply witty and satirical take on things shows to allow her to detach from her previous traumas and live some days with pure enjoyment and those moments are truly refreshing to read.
On top of the topics I've mentioned above the book also deals brilliantly with issues of race, intersectionality, shame, attachment issues and so many more of the other impacts trauma can have on a person but I have to stop typing at some point.
This can only be described as an essential read, it is an overwhelmingly brilliant debut unlike any I've seen before. Just please be mindful of your own headspace before going into it.
(Very happy to discuss trigger warnings or content etc. with anyone who is considering picking it up)
It's quite astonishing that this is a debut novel because in all honesty the level of writing is quite unlike any I've read before. I was completely struck by how Johnson was able to convey the feeling of hypervigilance so well within the pages and on so many occasions I felt myself there at one with Vivian in a state of over analytical hyper vigilant stupor. The constant unease of hypervigilance is an incredibly hard state to even describe yet somehow Johnson makes it jump straight from the pages.
Trauma and its effects seems to be quite a fashionable topic within fiction at the moment, however, for the most part the stories are woven around a girl who is deeply broken, unable to function or even in some cases has resorted to enforcing her own trauma on others. Chantal deserves huge praise for showcasing a girl who has experienced overwhelming trauma and is still living. Sure, she may be damaged and have a multitude of bad coping mechanisms that cause her to make many bad choices, but within Vivian the author shows us someone can experience a huge amount of trauma and still be a fun, vibrant and contributing person.
Something which is also rarely spoken about normally yet is dealt with amazingly within Post-Traumatic is the concept of estrangement from a biological family or family members. On the rare occasion you see it referenced within books it's a throwaway side plot with little significance and is usually down to something trivial making it seem like a totally taboo concept. However, Chantal gives it the full fleshed airing it deserves and really questions at what point is blood thicker than water and when is the right time to step away. Post-traumatic highlights the importance of self-care and having the ability to walk away from hugely damaging situations despite the social stigma and creating your own chosen family which is right and safe for you.
Despite, the book showcasing such dark and intense subject matters there is an overwhelming sense of humour and wit bubbling through its pages. Vivian exhibits a survivor's gallows humour and is able to make jokes where others would shirk away in horror. Her deeply witty and satirical take on things shows to allow her to detach from her previous traumas and live some days with pure enjoyment and those moments are truly refreshing to read.
On top of the topics I've mentioned above the book also deals brilliantly with issues of race, intersectionality, shame, attachment issues and so many more of the other impacts trauma can have on a person but I have to stop typing at some point.
This can only be described as an essential read, it is an overwhelmingly brilliant debut unlike any I've seen before. Just please be mindful of your own headspace before going into it.
(Very happy to discuss trigger warnings or content etc. with anyone who is considering picking it up)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Racism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Alcohol, Body shaming, Child death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Forced institutionalization, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
nimmzi's review
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Post-traumatic is a very raw and impressive debut novel. The main character, Vivian, is fascinating. It is a very character driven story and it can be very tiring and suffocating to be in Vivian’s mind so much, which speaks to the effectiveness of the novel. I especially liked the descriptions of her imagined scenarios. As a woman who spends much time alone I connected with some parts of them. The only thing that brought it down a bit for me was the writing style. I’m looking forward to read what this author brings next.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc for this work!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc for this work!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, Panic attacks/disorders, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Self harm and Suicide attempt
Minor: Rape
thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC
Dark yet brimming with dark humor, Post-Traumatic examines trauma and its impact through a refreshingly non-white lens while also serving as a rebuke of the U.S. medical and judicial systems.
Almost everyone in this book is messy, and I don't mean in a bad way. The characters have stuff going on, each going through different things, yet they're rendered multidimensional and complex by yet harming one another in some way, thereby illustrating the impact and often cyclical nature of trauma. The main character Vivian perhaps best embodies this point through her current struggles with various issues - be it insecurity, body dysphoria, an eating disorder, looking to men for validation, infidelity, etc. - borne from her traumatic and abusive childhood experiences.
I also like how the novel delves into the topic of family, which is even more complicated for POCs as a result of historical exploitation and intergenerational trauma. Is blood truly thicker than water? Can familial bond justify neglecting self-care and having one's boundaries crossed? The author explores both sides of the argument well and this aspect is thought-provoking.
The exploration of social issues are enjoyable as well, such as the intersectionality of identities and the exploitative medical and justice systems. The former is often darkly comic and witty, and the latter is adeptly shown, perhaps aided by the author's personal and professional experiences.
Though I personally think the writing could be more distinctive, overall I enjoy this novel. For its representation and the issues it raises and explores, Post-Traumatic is a novel that's long overdue.
Dark yet brimming with dark humor, Post-Traumatic examines trauma and its impact through a refreshingly non-white lens while also serving as a rebuke of the U.S. medical and judicial systems.
Almost everyone in this book is messy, and I don't mean in a bad way. The characters have stuff going on, each going through different things, yet they're rendered multidimensional and complex by yet harming one another in some way, thereby illustrating the impact and often cyclical nature of trauma. The main character Vivian perhaps best embodies this point through her current struggles with various issues - be it insecurity, body dysphoria, an eating disorder, looking to men for validation, infidelity, etc. - borne from her traumatic and abusive childhood experiences.
I also like how the novel delves into the topic of family, which is even more complicated for POCs as a result of historical exploitation and intergenerational trauma. Is blood truly thicker than water? Can familial bond justify neglecting self-care and having one's boundaries crossed? The author explores both sides of the argument well and this aspect is thought-provoking.
The exploration of social issues are enjoyable as well, such as the intersectionality of identities and the exploitative medical and justice systems. The former is often darkly comic and witty, and the latter is adeptly shown, perhaps aided by the author's personal and professional experiences.
Though I personally think the writing could be more distinctive, overall I enjoy this novel. For its representation and the issues it raises and explores, Post-Traumatic is a novel that's long overdue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Dysphoria, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, and Infidelity
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Police brutality, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Vomit, Death, Rape, and Sexual assault