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noisybooks18's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lminique's review against another edition
4.0
Vanessa was prey and Strane was a predator. A young, naive fifteen-year-old girl who never gets to live as a teenager. It was impactful all through her adult life. Strane was a true paedophiliac mastermind in his actions and wording, constantly subjecting Vanessa to blame for his actions. The school's investigation was mediocre at best, and Vanessa was berated while Strane continued to get away with no consequences. Even when he's being investigated, he continues to mind f**ck Vanessa.
chrysoula_amv's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a mesmerizing character study. Complex, intriguing and very disturbing. I felt like I was peeking through a keyhole seeing this girl's life. The characters, the thoughts and the implications of the actions taken were incredibly well fleshed out. You could understand the point of view of the girl and her complicated psychology yet still know what is happening is horrible. Like watching through rose colored glasses with cracks. Furthermore, I loved how this book was full of metaphors in a simple and consice writing style. Sometimes only a few simple words saying a very simple thing could convey immense emotions. I couldn't put it down.
Lastly, I definitely recommend the audiobook. The actress did a phenomenal job.
Might bring it up to 5 stars depending on how much I keep thinking about it the next few days.
Lastly, I definitely recommend the audiobook. The actress did a phenomenal job.
Might bring it up to 5 stars depending on how much I keep thinking about it the next few days.
taylorannwright's review against another edition
5.0
I have so many thoughts on this book...
I wouldn't even know where to begin.
Let the rating speak for itself.
I wouldn't even know where to begin.
Let the rating speak for itself.
neelamreadsalot's review against another edition
2.0
DNF.
Let me just start off with a *********HUGE TRIGGER WARNING*********
There are large portions of this book that detail explicit rape, abuse, pedophilia, and psychological trauma. If you have issues with any of these things DO NOT READ THIS BOOK.
This book is deeply disturbing, and I think that’s supposed to be the point. I can understand what the author is trying to convey and honestly she does a great job of it. But for me personally, after a while I couldn’t take it anymore, it’s just making me sick to my stomach and wanting to scream at the character.
Vanessa isn’t a likeable character either — not in the present or the past. And that makes it really hard to care about what’s happening to her. She comes off as irrational to the point of delusion. The side characters who are supposed to give more insight into Vanessa have no depth, so they don’t help her case.
This is a difficult and disquieting book. I literally couldn’t eat or drink while I was reading this because I thought I would throw up from the contents of the story. Please do not pick this up as a light read or a beach read. It’s not.
Let me just start off with a *********HUGE TRIGGER WARNING*********
There are large portions of this book that detail explicit rape, abuse, pedophilia, and psychological trauma. If you have issues with any of these things DO NOT READ THIS BOOK.
This book is deeply disturbing, and I think that’s supposed to be the point. I can understand what the author is trying to convey and honestly she does a great job of it. But for me personally, after a while I couldn’t take it anymore, it’s just making me sick to my stomach and wanting to scream at the character.
Vanessa isn’t a likeable character either — not in the present or the past. And that makes it really hard to care about what’s happening to her. She comes off as irrational to the point of delusion. The side characters who are supposed to give more insight into Vanessa have no depth, so they don’t help her case.
This is a difficult and disquieting book. I literally couldn’t eat or drink while I was reading this because I thought I would throw up from the contents of the story. Please do not pick this up as a light read or a beach read. It’s not.
issianne's review against another edition
4.0
Ouch. This one hurt... A lot. I'm having a bit of trouble rating this, because instinctively I don't want to say I "loved" it or even "really liked" it because of the subject material--and, in part, due to the fact that most of this book is highly unsettling and isn't very optimistic. I have to commend Russell's ability to craft such a raw, emotional narrative. She captures some of the hardest, most real moments of a young girl's life--some I hope most of us never have to endure. I went into this book with doubts; I'm pretty averse to teacher-student stories but had a feeling it would be handled well in this novel. Russell does an expert job in crafting genuine thoughts, conversations, scenarios, and the ugly ugly ugly reality of what it's like to be groomed and preyed upon as a fifteen-year-old. It was hard read at many times, but I thought it was a narrative that needs to be heard.
clairiewairie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I’ve never had to take so many breaks from reading a book before.
Utterly disturbing, upsetting, and very well written.
Utterly disturbing, upsetting, and very well written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Alcohol, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Suicide
rchulin1's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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
Such an amazing book very dark not for the faint of heart. So many triggers be mindful of them before reading but nonetheless my favorite book as of now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Body shaming, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Mental illness, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Vomit, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Suicide, Bullying, Death, Drug use, Eating disorder, Stalking, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Violence, Drug abuse, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Cursing, Gaslighting, and Physical abuse
cam_rose1's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0