Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - When We Were Infinite

Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

When We Were Infinite by Kelly Loy Gilbert

15 reviews

moon_bun07's review

dark hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

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? Yes

3.0

I did eventually finish this book but my god it was difficult. While the main character Beth certainly goes through it, I found her super unlikeable and got very frustrated by her actions. The second half definitely makes up for the first half. Themes in this books are definitely heavy so be forewarned.

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ghostlyprince's review against another edition

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challenging emotional slow-paced

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

2.0

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megloveswords12's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective relaxing sad 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

4.0

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princess72's review

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emotional 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

4.5

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half_bloodreader's review against another edition

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challenging emotional tense slow-paced

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? Yes

5.0

Asian & pansexual rep

"I like to think it wouldn't have changed anything, that I understood then all the shortcomings of remorse and how impotent it is against the past. I like to think I recognized that you don't have to tell yourself things are fine to make it easier on another person, and that you don't have to turn your heart toward men who are suffering when they've brought it on themselves.

But probably that isn't true of me. After all, I would, at that point, have forgiven my own father everything on exchange for something as small as a phone call."

Raw hard-hitting read told from the present looking back at the past. With this more informed perspective on history, the mc is able to analyse certain moments differently, notice the tipping point for changes, wonder.

During my reading, I needed to take breaks to allow myself to feel everything this book elicited from me.

Covers so many topics, there's so much to unpack:
- mental health
- Beth is biracial and struggles with feeling not Asian enough
- Family pressure when it comes to studies & careers
- Women making themselves small for men
- Above all, friendship

"What would it be like to admit that aloud - that you were angry, that the day had worn on you, to say those things, and to feel them, without worrying how they might look to whoever you were talking to? To let the ugly emotions you harbored, your anger and dissatisfaction and irritation, seep into your words without censoring them."

Beth's relationship with her absent father affects everything in her life, her shortcomings, insecurities and feelings of inadequacy stemming from it. She clearly has abandonment issues to the point she studied what the patriarchal society wants from women, trying to make herself accommodating to everyone. So she won't be left behind again.

She is extremely unfair towards her mother, blaming her for the divorce, hurting a lovely relationship she could have. That was where she had me angry and lacking sympathy. So ungrateful to the one who is so giving and works hard for her.

She will learn.

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meg510's review

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-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

4.5

Stressful to read as a parent and as a teacher because the kids witness difficult things and make stressful decisions and think troubling thoughts.

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jessy_reads's review

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

If it was only based on enjoyment, this book would have gotten 4.5 stars. This book was great. When I started reading, I had no idea what I was getting into, but this is exactly the type of story that I love reading. I'm so glad I picked it up. After only a few pages, I fell in love with the group of friends, their unique personalities, and the way they shine just that bit brighter when they are together. Add to that Gilbert's beautiful writing, simple yet mesmerizing, and this story seems to be made just for me.

Unfortunately, I wish I could have gotten to read more about Jason's recovery and Jason's father's motives. This is what led to the lower rating than the premise of the story and the writing deserved. The ending was not entirely satisfying to me, but I know that it is very difficult for me to find a book focused on mental health that has a satisfying ending. Wrap it up neatly, and it seems unrealistic. Give a realistic ending by letting the character continue to suffer, and it won't feel like an ending.

Still, I loved this story. I loved the characters and just wanted to get to know them intimately. I loved their discussions, which I could recognize myself in. I loved how concerned they were for Jason, how considerate, while feeling so powerless too, and it is something that each of us can relate to. Finally, I thought Gilbert was able to achieve a nice balance between darkness and the "romantic" scenes. It is hard to do, build a romance while also showing the darkest side of the characters, but their friendship had built a solid foundation for the next step romantically. I loved getting to know Beth and Jason.

So, didn't know what i was getting into, but I'm so glad I picked this up! This is exactly my jam.

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