Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

Idol by Louise O'Neill

5 reviews

nineinchnails's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

this was so refreshing! i went into it knowing the general gist of the story (read the blurb so that’s on me) but it was still insane to watch unfold. the commentary on wellness culture and influencer cults was super interesting and combined with the unreliable narrator it was addictive to read.

i found myself

really rooting for the protagonist at one point - not because i supported her actions but because i wanted to believe she was innocent, or at least just flawed in the way all humans are flawed. she is undeniably a horrible person and that’s cemented by the end but there were moments in between where i was starting to genuinely believe her. for better or for worse

sam felt incredibly real and in parts gut wrenchingly relatable. i did find the ending a little unsatisfying because

i felt like the story had been gearing up to show us how evil (privileged) people usually do get away with being monsters and end up thriving in the spotlight,

however i can see how some would prefer the ending as it is.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Eating disorder, Rape, Sexual assault, Stalking, and Toxic friendship

Moderate: Drug use, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Addiction, Abandonment, Abortion, Bullying, Drug abuse, and Infidelity

Minor: Cultural appropriation, Body shaming, Infertility, Death of parent, Dementia, and Pandemic/Epidemic

Bulimia and Overdose

francesturpin's review

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Eating disorder

Moderate: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Abortion, and Bullying

Minor: Forced institutionalization

0ldoini's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Rape, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, and Sexual violence

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Abortion, Body shaming, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Fatphobia

Minor: Dementia, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy

hippiequeen's review

dark reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Such a catchy and dark novel, it had me hooked and quite often twisted my guts. At first, I was rooting for Sam, but then oh god, it seemed like everyone was just soaking in darkness in this story. I guess it’s the beauty of Louise O’Neill’s writing; I have been reading her stories since I was 18 and they have helped immensely with dealing with my own traumas. This book is not for those who can be triggered by a number of things, so I would recommend being careful, but overall it’s such an amazingly written book. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Rape, Gaslighting, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Alcohol, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Toxic friendship, Stalking, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Infidelity, and Fatphobia

Moderate: Pregnancy, Abortion, Forced institutionalization, and Dementia

kellyung's review

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Vomit, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Forced institutionalization, Drug use, Addiction, Toxic friendship, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Self harm, Rape, Dysphoria, Drug abuse, Death of parent, Abortion, Sexual violence, Eating disorder, and Emotional abuse