Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Careless by Kirsty Capes

20 reviews

esmem's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.0

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nett's review

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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beriboo's review

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad 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? It's complicated

3.5

"Careless" by Kirsty Capes sheds a necessary spotlight on the challenging realities of the care system in the UK through the eyes of the protagonist, Bess. Capes’ writing is raw and unflinching, presenting a poignant narrative that delves deep into the emotional and psychological impact of the care system on its inhabitants.

The novel excels in portraying the complexities of Bess's character, offering a compelling exploration of her struggles and growth. Capes sensitively navigates themes of identity, trauma, and belonging, providing a humanising perspective to a subject often overlooked.

However, while the book courageously tackles important issues, certain elements of the narrative may feel rushed or lack the depth needed to fully flesh out secondary characters or story arcs. Additionally, at times, the pacing might falter, affecting the overall momentum of the story.

Overall, "Careless" is an important and emotionally resonant novel that sheds light on critical social issues, driven by a well-drawn protagonist. While it occasionally stumbles in pacing and character depth, its portrayal of the care system's impact on individuals is both compelling and thought-provoking.
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armelle's review

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challenging dark emotional sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

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emilyrowanstudio's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I went into this with high hopes, it had been on my to-read list for years, but it just didn't do it for me.
The first 140 pages were a slog to get through. They were setting the scene for what was to come but I found the characterisation lacking and feel it really could have been distilled down to about 50 pages.

I very nearly gave up and was prepared not to finish this, but it got very bleak very quickly and I tore through the final 180 pages in little over 24 hours. This story, of a 15 year old child in care who gets pregnant by someone older, should come with every trigger warning under the sun. Everything our protagonist, Bess, goes through is truly heartbreaking, but I found the way the story was told to be lacking for such a heavy subject matter.
Then again, our narrator is 15 years old, and the storytelling feels like it, which I guess it should.  I laughed and winced and really felt for Bess, but overall this read was just okay. I'd have preferred it if it was half the length, concentrated on the emotions, and left out the unecessary side-plots. But maybe that's just my style.
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fictionalsarah's review against another edition

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

4.25

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jacobs's review

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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

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caitsreads_'s review

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challenging informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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emcguire96's review

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challenging emotional hopeful 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

4.25

This book really made me think about how the teenage mind works. It was sad, funny and reflective. I loved Bess and Esh’s friendship and it made me consider the nuances of young friendships and differences in culture. 
I had hoped for a happy ending but the ending felt real and it wasn’t wrapped up in a pretty bow and I really respect the author for being truly reflective of reality.
 
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bealmg's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Bess is 15 years old and lives with her foster family. Through her eyes, we see the cruelty of the care system in 90s England, the violence of an abusive relationship, and the healing potential of strong friendships. 
Kirsty Capes wrote Bess with such gentleness and care (I've just read that the author is a care-experienced person). The way she grows and learns to make her on decisions was really special to witness. How she goes from a Boy-obsessed (yes, the upper case is on purpose) to a young woman who decides to fight for her future. And, of course, her best friend Eshal, whose family situation is very different from Bess's, but who also becomes more independent and sure of herself as the novel goes on.
This novel is quite short, but it approaches difficult themes with so much care and respect. Ranging from teenage pregnancy, abusive relationships, and the care system, to cultural values, family dynamics, and female friendships. 
Although I found the first third of the book difficult to read (probably because we know what is going to happen in chapter 1, and all I wanted was to shout at Bess and say 'you're being ridiculous, please stop'), the rest of the novel flew by. Overall, a heart-wrenching, thought-provoking story about a young girl craving love.
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