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shesagift's review against another edition
3.0
For the first 240 pages of this book, I was fully ready to rate this 5 stars. I love books that play with the divide between demons/possession and mental illness, and Jess-Cooke did this very, very well. This book was perfect creepy fall reading. However, the twist at the end was really disappointing; I wanted a better ending than that, and I felt that the author wrote herself into a corner and wanted to end the story abruptly. There were better endings out there, the one she went with just didn't have the impact that I'd hoped for. However, I still loved the plot that took up the majority of the book, which is why I still rated it 3 stars.
hmbb99's review against another edition
3.0
This is a sad yet endearing book about a little boy in the midst of a mental breakdown. His demons that he struggles with at such a young age are as real to him as the 'demons' he sees. This book makes you question the difference between mentality and spirituality. It shows that reality for one may not be reality for another.
magicacat's review against another edition
3.0
An interestingly ambiguous story that nevertheless ties up the important ends. The rest... well, we're left to make our own minds up and that's no bad thing.
whatthefuqgrey's review against another edition
3.0
I also had the joy of this book ruined by someone's spoiler review they didn't properly mark as spoilers. I believe it skewed my view of this book that I had been looking forward to read.
nnicduffy's review against another edition
4.0
The Boy who could see demons by Carolyn Jess-Cooke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
This story is told through the eyes of child Psychiatrist Anya and a 10 year old boy who’s best friend is a demon that only he can see. The narrative goes back and forth between Alex’s diary and Anya’s clinical notes and experiences, retelling the same events through two perspectives, which worked perfectly.
The tension being fought is whether the demon Alex sees is only in his mind or whether this is a supernatural event. A question I will leave up to you to find out. It was a rollercoaster of a journey which had me deliberately continually between the two outcomes.
The book does not hold back on its depictions of mental illness, with topics such as suicide, trauma, depression, self harm, violence and the conflicts experienced in Ireland to name a few.
As an Occupational Therapist (OT) specialised in the area of mental health I usually enjoy a book that also explores the healthcare nature of a situation. Sadly this is the worst depiction of a Mental Health OT I’ve ever read, in which the OT literally appears to do nothing more then eat doughnuts.
Despite the odd personal professional issue that made me grimace this book was a surprising read that I really enjoyed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
This story is told through the eyes of child Psychiatrist Anya and a 10 year old boy who’s best friend is a demon that only he can see. The narrative goes back and forth between Alex’s diary and Anya’s clinical notes and experiences, retelling the same events through two perspectives, which worked perfectly.
The tension being fought is whether the demon Alex sees is only in his mind or whether this is a supernatural event. A question I will leave up to you to find out. It was a rollercoaster of a journey which had me deliberately continually between the two outcomes.
The book does not hold back on its depictions of mental illness, with topics such as suicide, trauma, depression, self harm, violence and the conflicts experienced in Ireland to name a few.
As an Occupational Therapist (OT) specialised in the area of mental health I usually enjoy a book that also explores the healthcare nature of a situation. Sadly this is the worst depiction of a Mental Health OT I’ve ever read, in which the OT literally appears to do nothing more then eat doughnuts.
Despite the odd personal professional issue that made me grimace this book was a surprising read that I really enjoyed.
mariesreads's review against another edition
4.0
What a tweest! Still not entirely sold on said twist, but it was most certainly a surprise, which I can appreciate. Very Twilight Zone-esque.
The lead-up was fantastic. I loved Jess-Cooke's style, particularly her descriptions of post-Troubles Belfast. Her characters were quite well-drawn. A very enjoyable book, and a great example of psychological suspense.
The lead-up was fantastic. I loved Jess-Cooke's style, particularly her descriptions of post-Troubles Belfast. Her characters were quite well-drawn. A very enjoyable book, and a great example of psychological suspense.
nayabimtiaz's review against another edition
3.0
It was quite an interesting read. It felt more like a fiction (which it is ig) but I expected it to be a bit more realistic (maybe it was, maybe it wasn't) or maybe because I don't understand schizophrenia as much as people who actually experience it, do. It was still a very interesting read and did give me a lot of insight (just not sure if it was a 100% accurate).
linzer712's review against another edition
3.0
A quick read set in modern day Belfast. Alternating between two narrators, the novel explores the lives and psyches of 10 year old Alex and his psychiatrist, Anya. An interesting tale, but I'm not a fan of the twist ending.