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jasminealizae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
How much can I witness one character be dragged through before I can no longer suspend disbelief?
Seems like she just enjoys torturing her characters.
The amount of colorism, racism, fat shaming, ableism, false 'mental health' representation, abuse, mentions of rape and molestation, inappropriate sexual relationships, stereotypes, and just downright torture for shock value that took place in this book - disgusting.
Graphic: Animal death, Biphobia, Child abuse, Confinement, Eating disorder, Gore, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, Outing, Grief, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Ableism, Abortion, Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Car accident, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Incest, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Rape, Violence, Vomit, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Torture, and Toxic friendship
oliviabrcka's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I picked up Allegedly after having it recommended by Regan (PeruseProject) and Jananie (thisstoryaintover) and I am so glad I did. I went in with very little prior knowledge and this was an absolutely gripping story from cover to cover. I rarely pick up mysteries but this may be one of the best I have tried so far. I was captivated by Mary's story and things are truly left up in the air until the last page. I have never read a story like this! (I am attempting to be vague in this review because I think it is best for readers to go in without a lot of information)
This was my first Tiffany D. Jackson read and I am so impressed with her writing. Every word on the page drives home the bleak setting and overall feeling of this book. She speaks with Mary's mind; as Mary gains more knowledge, her point of view becomes more mature and more elegantly spoken. The pacing was just right and keeps readers guessing throughout the story.
Mary Addison is our main protagonist, and Mary is a complicated character. Even though we are seeing the world through her eyes, it is hard to get a good look inside her brain. Her life is screwed up to the max, and that is reflected in the choices she makes. Her relationships with the other girls in the group home, her mother, Ted, and her caretakers are each important and unique. She is so complex and interesting and mysterious, something that works so well in this particular story.
This book does an amazing job of pointing out the failures of the American criminal justice system and reminding the reader that although some may kid about the state of our prisons, they really aren't a joke for the ones living inside of them. Allegedly brings to light issues of race as well as sexual assault. I would look up content warnings before going into this book.
I would definitely recommend Allegedly, especially for readers who enjoyed Sadie by Courtney Summers. I am looking forward to picking up more books by Tiffany D. Jackson!
Graphic: Biphobia, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Murder, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Racism, and Violence