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bella_cavicchi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a joy in every sense of the word.
Graphic: Infidelity, Abortion, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Infertility, Alcohol, Cancer, and Homophobia
sarahh87's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Infidelity and Cursing
Moderate: Infertility, Sexual content, Miscarriage, Abortion, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship
kkozzz's review
- 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
Set against the backdrop of Cork City and University College Cork, Ireland, the novel skillfully intertwines these thematic elements, inviting readers on a profound voyeuristic journey through the lives of its characters. For those familiar with Cork City, the novel offers a nostalgic journey through familiar streets, coupled with a sense of specified time and place.
The novel delves into the intricacies of sexuality in the late 2000s/early 2010s, portraying the fluidity and nuances of desire with sensitivity and insight to the social climate of the time. O'Donogue examines the intersections of identity, desire, and societal expectations, offering a heartbreaking portrayal of a LGBTQ+ sexual awakening and self-discovery. As the narrative unravels, readers are drawn into the lives of its characters with remarkable authenticity.
"The Rachel Incident" unfolds against the backdrop of the 2008 economic crash, further enriching the narrative with financial uncertainty and societal upheaval. The characters grapple with their own personal struggles and aspirations, highlighting the profound impact of external economic forces on individual lives of various socioeconomic castes.
Central to the novel's narrative are its deeply human characters, whose struggles and triumphs resonate with raw honesty. Readers are offered a glimpse into the complexities of the human condition, where moments of connection and understanding are juxtaposed with moments of poignant heartache and longing.
In essence, "The Rachel Incident" is a masterfully crafted exploration of the everyday, exemplifying how people move freely in and out of one another’s lives throughout various eras of the human experience, leaving ripple effects behind for the rest of time on those they’ve touched.
With its compelling narrative and vivid setting, this novel stands as a testament to Caroline O'Donogue's talent as a storyteller, leaving readers deeply moved and profoundly affected by the lives of its characters while weaving together themes of class, relationships, sexuality, and economic upheaval into a look at the tragedy and beauty of human experience and relationships.
Graphic: Miscarriage, Abortion, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism
cassiebartelme's review
- 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? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content and Miscarriage
Moderate: Infidelity
bethantg's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Despite this gripe, this is well-written and an interesting coming-of-age story that just unfortunately didn’t really resonate with me on many points.
Graphic: Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Abortion, Cancer, and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia and Infertility
aliciawithoutkeys's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Miscarriage and Abortion
Moderate: Sexual content
barbarella85's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Infertility, Abortion, Homophobia, Biphobia, and Sexual content
kirstenw13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Abortion, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Cursing, Terminal illness, Blood, Alcohol, Homophobia, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Medical content, Drug use, Vomit, and Infertility
jourdanicus's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I don't remember where I heard this book recommended but I know I kept pushing back my library hold for it, and I'm glad I finally listened to it. So good!
I love a story told from the first person perspective of a woman main character, so that immediately put this book up my alley. Topics of abortion, feminism, friendship, complicated love are all catnip to me too.
The primary plot twist was so perfectly timed. I was so invested in the outcomes for the characters the entire time.
Just a perfect book for me personally, and my first 5⭐ read of 2024.
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Abortion, Alcohol, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, Misogyny, Child abuse, and Eating disorder
kaitlinewest's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Miscarriage and Abortion
Minor: Pregnancy and Sexual content