Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

Henry Henry by Allen Bratton

6 reviews

elnelson's review

dark emotional 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

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Alcoholism, Drug use, Addiction, Eating disorder, and Incest

Moderate: Classism, Colonisation, Physical abuse, Alcohol, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Body horror, Blood, Drug abuse, and Gaslighting

Minor: Death of parent

bowden's review against another edition

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? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Alcoholism, Drug use, Alcohol, Sexual assault, Incest, and Drug abuse

mariavdl's review

challenging sad

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

0.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Drug abuse, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Incest, Sexual assault, and Alcoholism

Moderate: Self harm and Vomit

Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Death of parent, Blood, Eating disorder, and Death

mattgroot1980's review

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug use, Incest, Homophobia, and Emotional abuse

max_audet's review against another edition

dark sad tense slow-paced

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

2.75

I had a hard time with Henry Henry. 

This is presented as a queer reimagining of Shakespeare's Henriad, but to me, the purpose of the Henriad is to witness the character's growth. Here, while there were hints of evolution, I feel like the main character didn’t advance much during the story and it was hard to relate to anyone since everyone was unlikeable.

The writing was dense but cohesive and easily the best part of the novel. It keeps me reading to the end even when the storyline seems to stagnate and meander endlessly during the book's middle section.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Homophobia

jswense's review

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

This book reads like a punch to the jaw.

Henry Henry is a bold, fresh take on Shakespeare's classic daddy issues plays. Allen Bratton’s Hal is messy, raw, and queer as hell. Not for the faint of heart this reimagining of the Henriad explores the complex issues of family, legacy, and grief. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Incest, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug use, and Sexual assault