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owenwilsonbaby's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
“She was bad and she knew she was bad and she could see no end to it.”
I can see why this is a beloved classic! Maggie O’Farrell’s introduction was particularly insightful. I love a coming-of-age story, and the Scottish voice and quick, considered pacing made this much more absorbing than previous failed attempts to read similar material, like I Capture The Castle. I do think the pacing was to the books detriment in the last chapter, as the ending felt a bit too sudden for me, but the rest of the book more than makes up for it. Barker’s talent for linguistics makes imagery and description rhythmic, beautiful, technically precise and often deeply moving. The teenage voice feels very careful; not so much authentic as deliberately and cautiously crafted, to great effect. Having also read The Vanishing of Esme Lennox, I do love the similarities; the perhaps unintentional narrative of embracing neurodivergence but simultaneously being cast out and punished for it was strangely modern and insightful. It feels like this could have been written last year.
I can see why this is a beloved classic! Maggie O’Farrell’s introduction was particularly insightful. I love a coming-of-age story, and the Scottish voice and quick, considered pacing made this much more absorbing than previous failed attempts to read similar material, like I Capture The Castle. I do think the pacing was to the books detriment in the last chapter, as the ending felt a bit too sudden for me, but the rest of the book more than makes up for it. Barker’s talent for linguistics makes imagery and description rhythmic, beautiful, technically precise and often deeply moving. The teenage voice feels very careful; not so much authentic as deliberately and cautiously crafted, to great effect. Having also read The Vanishing of Esme Lennox, I do love the similarities; the perhaps unintentional narrative of embracing neurodivergence but simultaneously being cast out and punished for it was strangely modern and insightful. It feels like this could have been written last year.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Cursing, Grief, Toxic friendship, Blood, Forced institutionalization, and Sexual harassment
toffishay's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really felt for Janet, felt connected to her. The book starts at the end and then moves backwards. You know how the story ends up for Janet. In a way, she knows this too. But watching her grow up and grow against a world that doesn't even try to understand her, that pushes her down and hurts her, is no less tactile because we know that she won't escape. Or she does, in her own way, but through the actions of others. The writing style is absolutely stunning. The descriptions of her home are so beautiful, even as the settings are tense and breaking down, and horrific. It felt like an honor to read about Janet's life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Murder, Emotional abuse, Death, Child death, and Misogyny
Moderate: Violence, Forced institutionalization, Bullying, Body shaming, and Vomit
Minor: War, Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Eating disorder
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