Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

Zeven dagen samen by Tia Williams

47 reviews

dreamsoakedstories's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-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

I. Have. So. Much. Love. For. This. Book. I did not want this one to end! 

It’s a second chance love story that follows two black authors and their twin flame connection, their troubled past and reunion after 15 years apart. 

This book swept me up entirely with its humour, its feeling, its authenticity. To me, it in no way feels fake or cliched. It's one of those rare romance books that’ll have you swooning and cackling over witty banter and sweltering chemistry but it then also sinks very deeply into darkness; into heavy reality, mental health issues and human vices. The fact it also delves into black culture and champions black creatives is something so refreshing for this predominately whitewashed genre.

This is the kind of novel I just wish I could write because, in romance, it’s so bloody hard to pull off this level of duality in a way that’s so beautifully, effortlessly written. I’m honestly unsure if I love this novel more as a reader or as a writer.

What I am sure about? This is one of my favourite books of the year and it’s 100% going on my reread pile. I just freakin’ loved it to bits and recommend it to both lovers of romance and women’s contemporary fiction. 🖤✨

(Trigger warnings: alcoholism, drug abuse, self-harm, chronic health problems, racism, depression)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm, Drug use, Alcoholism, and Chronic illness

Moderate: Racism

Minor: Physical abuse

lnzava's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Self harm, and Sexual content

Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault

internationalreads's review against another edition

dark emotional funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Car accident, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Infidelity, Medical content, Medical trauma, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Racial slurs, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship

bookish_afrolatina's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

I loved reading this book with my whole heart! Everyone kept hyping it up all Summer and I was worried I'd be disappointed. Once I got into chapter one, I knew I was hooked. Between Eva's thoughts and her daughter Audre's commentary, the writing felt vivid, witty, deep, and addictive. Eva is the product of tragic home life and painful chronic headaches. I felt for her big time because I happen to be suffering from a series of headaches (since contracting covid in January). Her relationship with Audre is what I hope to have one day if I have children! They are playful with one another, Audre can confide in her mom, and emotional intelligence is the name of the game.

Williams did a wonderful job of pacing, introducing Shane, and revealing what happened between Eva and Shane all those years ago in June. Each character was developed and nuanced, even when they were only a narrator for a chapter or played a very minor role. I fell in love with Eva, Shane, and Audre and didn't want this book to end. Despite that, I think this novel was the perfect length. Honestly, I'd be overjoyed to see a film adaptation! 

Some of my favorite moments were actually between Shane and Audre. They were so easy together in such a pure way and every conversation they had brought me joy. Audre was wise beyond her years but still held on to her innocence and need for her mom. So many gems!! Eva's mentor/friend Cece had me cackling quite a few times because her voice was so perfect. My favorite line by her is connected to a conversation between her and Michelle Obama. You'll know it when you see it! (No spoilers here, friends)

Heads up for those with a sensitivity to absent parents and foster homes, this may be hard to get through at times. It was worth it for me, but I understand if you'd rather skip those parts.

Verdict:

Am I obsessed with this book? Yes. Do I plan to reread it? Also yes. If you aren't into sugary sweet romances and want something with extra depth, this is the book for you. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Chronic illness

Moderate: Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, and Mental illness

Minor: Grief

princesssdiaries's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

literally so sad but so good??? shane eva and literally everyone in this book deserves the best (other than lizette and her bfs) but agh so good i have no critical thoughts just shane and eva❤️

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Self harm, and Sexual assault

bookish_alyssa's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

• 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm and Alcoholism

Moderate: Physical abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Suicidal thoughts

caribbeanjournal's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-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

This book broke me and made whole again in the span of five hours. I'm forever in love with these characters 💖

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual harassment, Self harm, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Drug abuse, Grief, and Bullying

Moderate: Car accident, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Gun violence, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Abandonment