Reviews tagging 'Chronic illness'

Broken Parts Included by Alyson Root

1 review

katlouise's review

3.75
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Reading the title of this novel, I was immediately drawn in, and when I read the blurb and realised that this novel was going to deal with heavier issues, I was completely sold on it. So, I was thrilled when I luckily got one of the ARC slots offered by the author. 

A novel which focusses so heavily on female reproductive health, and the overwhelming impact it can have on every aspect of life is something that feels quite rare. Although I have read a few novels, and sapphic romances, where one of the female main characters has a gynaecological disease, it hasn’t been at the forefront of the books plot as is the case here. In my prior experience, it’s not really affected the character during the book, and it’s only really been mentioned in quite a throwaway manner i.e. a mention that the character no longer has periods following a hysterectomy because of her endometriosis as happened in one book I read. Here though we experience Lydia’s symptoms with her alongside the difficulties in getting medical professionals to take those symptoms seriously.
I also appreciated that even when there was a diagnosis given and a treatment plan started, Lydia wasn’t magically cured.


But alongside the physical health side, there’s also discussion around Lydia’s body dysmorphia and her struggles with self-confidence and self-esteem. It is well done, and at times difficult to read because this is so well written. Its easy to relate to Lydia and what she is experiencing because it does feel so realistic. 

However, it is not just a story about Lydia. Although she is very much the main character, Halle, Fe and Cathy all have their own stories and struggles. In someways, one of my only criticisms of this book is that I would have perhaps liked to have had a dual perspective and got Halle’s side of the story. I wanted more of an insight into her mind and the way she experienced the events of the story. Particularly during the periods when Lydia and Halle were apart, I wanted to know more of what was going on with her. 

I loved Halle as a character. The way she was there for Lydia was something that I really enjoyed, and if only everyone could find a Halle of their own. I absolutely adored the love story element in this and seeing how things developed between the two women. They just worked so well together and I was absolutely rooting for them throughout.

Although this book does cover some serious, meaty issues, there is still a fair amount of humour in there as well and it did have me smiling a lot. It provided a nice balance to the rest of the story. However, I am glad that the book didn’t shy away from the severity of what Lydia experiences, and I think these are things that need to be discussed more often. 

There were elements of the epilogue that I wasn’t quite as keen on. It felt a little bit too perfect although Lydia’s issues around her body image were still very much present, the actual scenario just felt a bit much for me and given how realistic the rest of the novel felt I was disappointed. It is, however, a small thing in the grand scheme of the book. 

I would definitely recommend this book though, and I’m very glad I read it. It was quite a quick read (I read it over 2 days) and I’ll definitely be reading more of Alyson Root’s books in the future. 

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