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bookforthought's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-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
3.5
Having read and enjoyed the author's previous book, After the Silence, last year, I was really interested in reading Idol, especially as conversations surrounding the role of influencers in society and so-called "cancel culture" seem highly timely.
Idol is, in some ways, an ambitious novel: tackling lots of themes such as social media culture, the idolisation of health gurus and other influencers, consent and public image in a post-#MeToo world, cancel culture, friendship, memory and recollections and more still, it really felt as though I needed some time to digest it before I could share my thoughts on this.
Sam is a complex character, projecting a public persona while feeling completely differently inside, her self-centredness concealing profound fragility and loneliness. I found it very hard to sympathise with her, but at the same time could really appreciate the nuance in her character which I really value when reading about an unlikeable and unreliable character. It felt a bit as if this subtlety was somewhat lost as the story progressed though, with Sam becoming more and more extreme nearing the end which, even though I still liked reading about her, made her much more black-and-white than morally grey.
The author's writing here is brilliant, as always. I was completely captured by the story being told and, even though at times I was annoyed with the characters or felt like the plot was stagnating a bit, the way the book was written kept me turning the pages, eager to know more. The underlying critique of modern society, and social media/influencer culture especially, was very on point, sparking a lot of additional questions, thoughts and reflections for me.
There were a few things that didn't quite work for me though. While I appreciated the critique, at times it felt like there was almost too much going on with a multitude of themes being raised at the same time without having the time or the space to delve deep into any single one. I can see how they were all linked together, but I couldn't help but feeling that this resulted in a superficial overview, ticking off a multitude of themes, but lacking deeper substance.
The story is pretty much centred around Sam herself and, even though I can see how this would fit with her selfishness and self-centredness, it was disappointing to see all the other characters coming across as rather flat. Lisa, Sam's childhood friend, in particular mostly lacked substance, becoming almost instantly forgettable. The ending was also rather underwhelming, and I was especially unimpressed by the final scene.
Overall, Idol was a pleasant and gripping read though, even though I was probably expecting more from it than it could deliver. With its twisty nature and engrossing style, it would make a great beach read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Sexual assault
Moderate: Addiction, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abortion
clairestream's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Eating disorder, and Rape
Moderate: Abortion, Drug use, Addiction, and Drug abuse
Minor: Death of parent
maddieden's review
challenging
emotional
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Abortion, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
taleofabibliophile's review
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Alcohol, Sexual assault, Abortion, Sexual content, Cursing, Addiction, Toxic friendship, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Rape, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Fatphobia and Vomit
Minor: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Cancer, Medical content, Dementia, and Self harm
booksaremyabode's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Addiction, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Toxic friendship, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death of parent, Drug use, Body shaming, and Drug abuse
estherb's review
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Samantha Miller has it all - millions look up to her; but when her would comes crashing down around her because of an essay she wrote about a sexual encounter in her teens she doesn’t know what to do or how to cope.
Idol is a poignant novel about how social media can both build and destroy a person and how difficult it is to rebuild the damage and trust one has built over years of using various social media platforms. In this age of technology we live in, nothing stays private.
From Instagram following being diminished in a heartbeat; unfathomed statements being posted on Reddit and bombardments from journalists about your private life.
What is the truth in this world we live in and how do we prove it when everything we see or read is ‘real’? Or is social media all a lie?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
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
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
milliesreading's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Rape, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Toxic friendship
becca_thegrimreader's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Examining influencer culture, the wellness industry, consent, and abuse of power, Louise O’Neill does not hold back. The main character of this book, Samantha Miller, is a successful woman who earns her living by telling her followers how to live their lives better. After a piece on a sexual experience with her best friend Lisa when they were teenagers her life begins to unravel. Samantha views that night as an intimate moment, Lisa remembers it as something she didn’t consent to.
This is a book that I have been thinking about for a few days since finishing. It is a dark and unflinching novel at times, and it was one that made me feel very uncomfortable at times. I think that this was due to Samantha, someone who reminds me of Alix from “Such a Fun Age.” She is manipulative and selfish, caring only about her career and her reputation. She dismisses the allegations against her almost instantly and tries to force this opinion on everyone else. Lisa is equally as unreliable, and has herself suffered through traumatic experiences. We examine their intense childhood friendship, jealousy, and bitterness. Having two women at the centre of this novel was interesting.
This was a timely novel with its focus on influencer and cancel culture. We see how tenuous it is to be an influencer, and how quickly the world can turn on them. We see how Samantha has shaped her life story so that she stands out from the other wellness influencers. When the allegations are made public we watch how everyone in the background comes out in force to save Samantha’s public image, not because they believe her but because of the money they have invested.
This is a book that will have you gripped from the first page.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for the copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
This is a book that I have been thinking about for a few days since finishing. It is a dark and unflinching novel at times, and it was one that made me feel very uncomfortable at times. I think that this was due to Samantha, someone who reminds me of Alix from “Such a Fun Age.” She is manipulative and selfish, caring only about her career and her reputation. She dismisses the allegations against her almost instantly and tries to force this opinion on everyone else. Lisa is equally as unreliable, and has herself suffered through traumatic experiences. We examine their intense childhood friendship, jealousy, and bitterness. Having two women at the centre of this novel was interesting.
This was a timely novel with its focus on influencer and cancel culture. We see how tenuous it is to be an influencer, and how quickly the world can turn on them. We see how Samantha has shaped her life story so that she stands out from the other wellness influencers. When the allegations are made public we watch how everyone in the background comes out in force to save Samantha’s public image, not because they believe her but because of the money they have invested.
This is a book that will have you gripped from the first page.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for the copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Addiction, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Abortion
ciaramreads's review
dark
reflective
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship and Gaslighting
Moderate: Rape, Emotional abuse, Abortion, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders