Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Was in jener Nacht geschah

the writing didn't quite capture me here, but the narrative certainly did. this book is an exploration of how a violent attack wracks a community and impacts everyone in varying ways, all based on their personal histories and traumas, and how a family comes together to heal. the voices here were distinct and varied, and vermette unfolds the story with great care. i'll definitely be reading her latest release soon.

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tctimlin's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective 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? No

4.25

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alyssamcg's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

2.0

So so dark and heavy.

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alisonburnis's review against another edition

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dark 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

A multigenerational, loving family story, centred around a shattering, tragic event, The Break is a tribute to strength and healing. This is a hard story to read, focusing on a sexual assault in a field next to a house, where Stella, a young Métis mother sees what’s happening, not imagining it would bring her back to the family she’s been avoiding.

I don’t want to give much away, because this is the kind of story you want to see unfold. There is so much pain, but also love, support, and care. There is nothing easy here, but there is also hope.

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carolinereynolds's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.75

Challenging subject matter but also I believe an important read. I enjoyed the use of many character‘s perspectives as you were able to feel immersed in the community but also at times found it hard to follow who was who.
Please be aware that the plot centres around a sexual assault and abuse, so take caution before reading.

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emmaahmed's review against another edition

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Content was too graphic and made me feel ill

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jecunninghamreads's review against another edition

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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

5.0

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whatyouegg's review against another edition

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challenging emotional medium-paced

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

4.5

A tight-knit family of Indigenous women grapple with their past and ongoing traumas during the aftermath of a horrific crime. I’m really amazed that there was so much character and depth packed into this relatively short book. Or maybe it just felt short because I read it in 3 days. The characters are so real and I was immediately drawn into their stories. This book is dark and painful but also beautifully highlights strength, resilience, love, and joy in family and friendship. I didn’t give it 5/5 only because I wish there was a bit more substance to the ending, but despite that, the ending is hopeful. High recommend!

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