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rideauriverreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Cursing, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Child death, Blood, Dementia, Drug abuse, Drug use, Medical content, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Racism
a_islandcriptid's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Warning that it is a very heavy, dark, emotional story so take care of yourself and be cautious of triggers.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Colonisation, Cursing, Addiction, Alcohol, Bullying, Child abuse, Death of parent, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, Drug use, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Sexual violence, Racism, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Self harm, Child abuse, Classism, Drug abuse, Hate crime, Misogyny, and Police brutality
egcam's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Medical content, Violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Classism, Colonisation, Death of parent, Dementia, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Fatphobia, Grief, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Racism, Addiction, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death
camwise1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Rape, and Sexual violence
bnelson13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Bullying, Grief, Rape, Sexual assault, Addiction, Sexual violence, Drug abuse, Death, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Mental illness, Blood, and Violence
dallyowally's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Sexism, Child abuse, Gore, Drug abuse, Drug use, Alcohol, Sexual violence, Racism, Sexual content, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Rape, Physical abuse, Murder, Hate crime, Misogyny, and Grief
annemaries_shelves's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
I really felt like I got to know all of the characters (even those without a POV, like Hannah – Scott’s well-meaning but ignorant white girlfriend) because all of the characters were so fully human in their interactions, rationale for behaviours, and personalities (especially interactions among the Traverse family). I've seen other reviews saying that the large cast was confusing and hard to connect with but that wasn't my personal experience - the family tree was useful but my takeaway was that specific relationship titles were less important that the support and familial bonds they shared.
Spoiler for discussing some character actions.
I also appreciated the double meaning of the Break – it’s both the name of the land where the assault happens, and a representation of a break in the timeline/reality for Emily and her family – the Before and After because of this event. People break away from others, break away from their bad habits (or fail to), and break hearts.
I think my favourite thing I take away from this novel is how well the women in this family support each other. Despite hardships and traumas they’ve faced in their pasts, and various difficulties they have with each other, they love and support their family.
One question I do have is why all the POVs are limited third person except for Lou (the aunt and social worker), who’s in first person. I’m not sure why Vermette made that choice. It didn’t detract from the novel as a whole but, in my limited view, I don’t know what it added.
The writing is also fairly straightforward - it's easy to read (in contrast to the subject matter) but Vermette knows how to make an impact with some powerful statements throughout the text. For those who prefer more flowery or overly descriptive language, this won't be the writing style for you.
Overall, I thought The Break was a fantastic novel and I can’t wait to read the companion follow-up, The Strangers.
Trigger/Content warnings: on-page rape/sexual assault with an object, physical assault, vicarious trauma, slurs and outdated language used on Indigenous people. Domestic violence, alcoholism, child death, drug addictions, and references to gangs are also mentioned in the text. However, there’s also lots of wonderful healing discussions and reliance on family and traditions to support each other through these events. As the book says, it’s about recovering and healing from violence and trauma.
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Sexual assault, Grief, Racism, and Rape
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug abuse, Pregnancy, and Child death
elerosemac's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Violence, and Drug abuse
rosiecockshutt's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Drug abuse
Minor: Drug use
carolinereynolds's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Please be aware that the plot centres around a sexual assault and abuse, so take caution before reading.
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, and Physical abuse