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lorenabvivs's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse
autisticpoetryqueer's review against another edition
- 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
2.5
The author's note at the end states that the author wrote this book largely based off her childhood experiences. Her father was abusive to her mother, and her mother divorced him when the author was little (I believe three years old, if my memory is right).
I do appreciate that this book showed how confusing abusive situations are and that it can happen to anyone. You can develop a deep sense of trust with someone, only to learn that they are manipulative and violent later. In the beginning of the book, I went back and forth on whether I liked Ryle or not. I could feel the protagonist's deliberation and ambivalence about the situation.
This book wrestled a lot with the idea of "why do women stay in abusive situations?" It tried to shift the narrative away from blaming (and shaming) women being abused and onto the men doing the abusing.
I do feel like this book illustrated the strength of survivors. However, I still feel like the book made too many excuses for Ryle at some points.
While every situation is complicated, I felt like this book was trying to end on a hopeful note, and I didn't feel like that was accomplished. I feel nervous that
I wanted this book to go in a different direction, but I do feel like it made me realize some things about my own relationship to my survivorship. It was a thought provoking read. I'd be careful about recommending this book to survivors though as some of the scenes are graphic and difficult to read. It could be potentially triggering.
I'd say this book is a conversation starter. Some elements I enjoyed, others I did not. I think survivors sharing their stories should always be encouraged, and I'm sure this book will resonate with some survivors out there. I am not sure it hit the mark for me though.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Gun violence and Child death
olivia_noelle'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Child death, Rape, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism and Alcohol
that_spicy_book_mom's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Violence and Domestic abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
jeedmonds's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse
dogkucks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse
alw00056's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse
marissaadams's review
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Physical abuse, and Pregnancy
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
adrianaslibrary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, and Pregnancy
kezinmelb's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse