Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

94 reviews

itsjadenbaby's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Impeccable! Genuinely such a comforting read despite some of the difficult topics touched upon. I would be happy to enter the world the author has created!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Gun violence, Grief, Stalking, and Classism

Minor: Misogyny, Self harm, Violence, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting

booksanddopamine's review against another edition

4.0

This was very Practical Magic - two magical sisters with contrasting personalities, one who moves away and ends up in an abusive relationship; small town where the sisters feel like outcasts; eccentric aunt; romance... but I enjoyed it (more than I thought I would, even).

The magical elements are sweet and down to earth. Although there's romance, I'd say the story is more about the relationship between the sisters and their personal self-discovery. 

Maybe it's just me, but as an autistic person Claire read like a coded autistic character. She struggles with social situations and reading people, she doesn't like people moving her things around because she likes them in their place, doesn't like change, and experiences a magical sort of sensory overload. She does have trauma and a fear of abandonment, but I still believe she reads as autistic. I get you, Claire!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, and Abandonment

marybethgrice's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse

fdj_25's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful sad medium-paced

• 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

A pleasure to read, especially on a warm sunny day. The characters were loveable and their personalities are well explored. However be aware that the topic of domestic abuse/violence is a running theme throughout the book. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence

Moderate: Gun violence

kelleykamanda's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Feels just like the movie Practical Magic. Whimsical, cozy, lighthearted. The story revolves around rekindled sisters who learn to not shy away from their family legacy and embrace their gifts. For people who aren’t in romantic subplots, I’d suggest maybe trying a different book. Really enjoyed it though!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment

Minor: Death, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence

There is a brief mention of sexual assault in the beginning of the book- this doesn’t repeat throughout the rest of the book. On occasion the character will mention how she was abused but this is sparingly.

kryskross's review

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Rape

Moderate: Gun violence and Sexual content

Minor: Car accident

joanasimao's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault

zimmerlemon's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.25

Aww I liked that. Like practical magic but a little less dark/more of a happy ending. I think I would enjoy rereading. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse

zefancifulreader's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

“She suddenly stopped. She turned and looked around. The garden was quiet and damp, the temperamental apple tree at the back of the lot shivering slightly as if dreaming. Generations of Waverleys had tended this garden. Their history was in the soil, but so was their future. Something was about to happen, something the garden wasn’t ready to tell her yet. She would have to keep a sharp eye out.”

I woke up on a Sunday Morning and I knew I needed to re-read a Sarah Addison Allen book. This is one of my comfort books and calls to the whimsical, eccentric parts of my soul. The imagery and use of metaphor is so vibrant I can taste it. 

This book is also definitely showing it’s age (it was first published in 2007).
It uses some very gendered language/romance concepts, the “lost without a man” troupe and wanders into the “gay best friend” troupe. 

Overall, the book is just as enchanting as I remember and makes me want to dry flowers, read books in the garden, and drink herbal tea sweetened with honey. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Sexual content

itsalina's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse and Rape

Minor: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, and Gaslighting