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lovelydeadgirl's review
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Rape, Self harm, Toxic friendship, Violence, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Grief, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, and Infidelity
vahala's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The book seems to be unable to decide whether it wants to delve into the psychoanalysis of a sexual assault victim, or whether it just wants to be shock porn. The vast majority of the sex scenes (and there's a never-ending stream of them) are often unnecessarily graphic. The abusive ones almost outrageously violent, to the point where suspending one's disbelief becomes a struggle simply because of the sheer degree of injury being inflicted.
All the supporting characters seem to be cardboard cutouts - mostly there to progress the plot in a "And then things got worse" way, without any substantial motivation. The lack of impulse control, and comically stereotypical 'sexless wife' characters appear as justifications for characters' actions so often that this book could almost be seen as trope-defining.
Add to it a rushed and disconnected ending, and the flaws start drowning the flashes of brilliance. It could have been so much better, but is stuck somewhere between fetishising shock & depression, and something with true meaning.
All the supporting characters seem to be cardboard cutouts - mostly there to progress the plot in a "And then things got worse" way, without any substantial motivation. The lack of impulse control, and comically stereotypical 'sexless wife' characters appear as justifications for characters' actions so often that this book could almost be seen as trope-defining.
Add to it a rushed and disconnected ending, and the flaws start drowning the flashes of brilliance. It could have been so much better, but is stuck somewhere between fetishising shock & depression, and something with true meaning.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Rape, Sexual content, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, and Vomit
Moderate: Addiction and Abandonment
sadgrrrlreads's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Rape, Domestic abuse, Violence, and Sexual violence
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