Scan barcode
ktinaisabel's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Abortion
baileycowen's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
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
4.0
This book really surprised me in a good way. At first, the main character felt shallow and selfish (she was written to be that way in some ways). The chaos and fervor of youth is so clear, and the journey to finding what is right for you. The reckoning with your past and your present, and holding fast to people you love is so good. I loved the audiobook, and really just loved the whole story. Would recommend looking up trigger warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Infidelity, and Abortion
Moderate: Grief, Infertility, Miscarriage, and Homophobia
dbranmussatto's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
messy and funny and gripping
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Infidelity, and Abortion
sarahh87's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Cursing
Moderate: Infertility, Sexual content, Miscarriage, Abortion, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship
micklesreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book really nails the awkwardness of early adulthood, when every friendship is incredibly intense and you're too afraid to show people who you really are, trying on different skins every time you go out. Rachel is lovable and so cringey, and I found the story compelling. I flew through this one and will def read whatever O'Donoghue puts out next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
jessehersh's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Infertility and Abortion
kkozzz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"The Rachel Incident" offers an exploration of human complexity, reminiscent of Sally Rooney's narrative style, delving into themes of class, relationships, sexuality, and self-identity.
Set against the backdrop of Cork City and University College Cork, Ireland, the novel skillfully intertwines these thematic elements, inviting readers on a profound voyeuristic journey through the lives of its characters. For those familiar with Cork City, the novel offers a nostalgic journey through familiar streets, coupled with a sense of specified time and place.
The novel delves into the intricacies of sexuality in the late 2000s/early 2010s, portraying the fluidity and nuances of desire with sensitivity and insight to the social climate of the time. O'Donogue examines the intersections of identity, desire, and societal expectations, offering a heartbreaking portrayal of a LGBTQ+ sexual awakening and self-discovery. As the narrative unravels, readers are drawn into the lives of its characters with remarkable authenticity.
"The Rachel Incident" unfolds against the backdrop of the 2008 economic crash, further enriching the narrative with financial uncertainty and societal upheaval. The characters grapple with their own personal struggles and aspirations, highlighting the profound impact of external economic forces on individual lives of various socioeconomic castes.
Central to the novel's narrative are its deeply human characters, whose struggles and triumphs resonate with raw honesty. Readers are offered a glimpse into the complexities of the human condition, where moments of connection and understanding are juxtaposed with moments of poignant heartache and longing.
In essence, "The Rachel Incident" is a masterfully crafted exploration of the everyday, exemplifying how people move freely in and out of one another’s lives throughout various eras of the human experience, leaving ripple effects behind for the rest of time on those they’ve touched.
With its compelling narrative and vivid setting, this novel stands as a testament to Caroline O'Donogue's talent as a storyteller, leaving readers deeply moved and profoundly affected by the lives of its characters while weaving together themes of class, relationships, sexuality, and economic upheaval into a look at the tragedy and beauty of human experience and relationships.
Set against the backdrop of Cork City and University College Cork, Ireland, the novel skillfully intertwines these thematic elements, inviting readers on a profound voyeuristic journey through the lives of its characters. For those familiar with Cork City, the novel offers a nostalgic journey through familiar streets, coupled with a sense of specified time and place.
The novel delves into the intricacies of sexuality in the late 2000s/early 2010s, portraying the fluidity and nuances of desire with sensitivity and insight to the social climate of the time. O'Donogue examines the intersections of identity, desire, and societal expectations, offering a heartbreaking portrayal of a LGBTQ+ sexual awakening and self-discovery. As the narrative unravels, readers are drawn into the lives of its characters with remarkable authenticity.
"The Rachel Incident" unfolds against the backdrop of the 2008 economic crash, further enriching the narrative with financial uncertainty and societal upheaval. The characters grapple with their own personal struggles and aspirations, highlighting the profound impact of external economic forces on individual lives of various socioeconomic castes.
Central to the novel's narrative are its deeply human characters, whose struggles and triumphs resonate with raw honesty. Readers are offered a glimpse into the complexities of the human condition, where moments of connection and understanding are juxtaposed with moments of poignant heartache and longing.
In essence, "The Rachel Incident" is a masterfully crafted exploration of the everyday, exemplifying how people move freely in and out of one another’s lives throughout various eras of the human experience, leaving ripple effects behind for the rest of time on those they’ve touched.
With its compelling narrative and vivid setting, this novel stands as a testament to Caroline O'Donogue's talent as a storyteller, leaving readers deeply moved and profoundly affected by the lives of its characters while weaving together themes of class, relationships, sexuality, and economic upheaval into a look at the tragedy and beauty of human experience and relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Abortion, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism
raelong12's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
jareadforfilth's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book so much, the writing just sucks you in and Rachel is such a magnetic character, through all of her flaws and insecurities there is such a heart there. This story is mostly a retrospective which I think is perfect because of the amount of strain and stress that comes through, letting us know that in the end Rachel is more or less ok from the beginning. I also love what an amazing ally she was to her roommate and think the queerness in this story is beautifully represented, visceral, and authentic. I could see bits of myself in James throughout and the sentiments he experienced in his identity. The great drama at the crux of this story is so ruthless, and the perseverance displayed is aspirational. Through so much hardship, beauty emerged and it just makes me sooooo hopeful and inspired. This book is exceptional!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
iovreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
James and Rachel’s time on Shandon Street is the perfect summary of early adulthood (working crappy jobs while trying to figure out what you actually want to do with your life, eating junk food, drinking too much, and letting your heart get jacked around). I would’ve even enjoyed the book if it had just been about the silly adventures of the friends, but as you read the first half, the tension starts to build and build until you’re wondering what could possibly happen to break the tension. OMG, once the tension breaks, you won’t be able to keep the laugh in.
I also even loved the ending of this book. I thought it was a perfect summary and demonstration of character growth.
I also even loved the ending of this book. I thought it was a perfect summary and demonstration of character growth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Abortion