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950 reviews for:

In at the Deep End

Kate Davies

3.49 AVERAGE


A brilliant, really funny read 
dark funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was so incredibly frustrating I’m truly surprised I managed to finish it.
Sam was a psychotic manipulative bitch.
Virginie? What the actual fuck.
Julia was dumb as hell and easily manipulated. She tried way too hard to fit in and it seemed like she only wanted to be lesbian to fit in and she threw herself in the LGBTQ+ community for the fun of it not from actually feelings.
Nicky was the worst most cringiest therapist. I wouldn’t go to her even if it was free. If anything she would give me more issues than solving mine.
Alice and Dave were pathetic and the fact that Alice broke off the engagement and said she was never getting back with him only to propose to him was revolting.
Overall the general theme was jealousy and pure stupidity. There was really only bad angry characters in a fucked up world. This book did nothing for me and I only read it to see it through and I honestly thought Sam was going to end up killing Julia but instead I got some bullshit break up that led to a weekend getaway that led to manipulative faux suicide attempt? No. Plain trash. Would not recommend.

Oh and also RIP Eric- he was a doll. I loved his character and he was the only one that was enjoyable- even then he was killed off and pretty unnecessary tbh
challenging dark reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
funny informative lighthearted sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

A very fast read from me, probably the fastest of the year so far! 

I asked the lady in Gays the Word for a book that was about unapologetic queer joy - i’m not sure this exactly met that request, but it was a fun read nonetheless. I don’t think I expected quite as many sex descriptions (don’t read this on the tube!!), but I guess I learned a lot. 

It was a very delicate portrait of a descent into an abusive relationship, told in a very realistic and nuanced way. However, did I like Julia that much? Not particularly… She was really quite self-centered, barely listening to all her friends who seemed to relentlessly care about her even though she treated them like shit most of the time, quite frankly. Also, although obviously Sam is the bad guy here, Julia had been told that she was non-monogamous from the very beginning, so I don’t understand why she was so upset when Sam was non-monogamous? Also - how did she come to terms with her sexuality SO FAST?? She literally had one night of sex with a woman and immediately knew she was a lesbian, when I feel like it barely works like that in real life. 

Okay, now the complaints are over - this was a funny, light read that also covered an issue that isn’t often spoke about - abusive wlw relationships are very much real and more light should be shed on the dynamics of them. There were some great similes in here, and the motif of the letter writing was very sweet. A clear 3 stars!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Even after reading the short sample, this was not exactly what I was expecting. The book dealt with an individual trying to find just who they are and what they like sexually. It was very sexually graphic throughout the book. I don't mind that so much as long as there is a story. The book also dealt with abusive relationships. I had a hard time myself relating to the main character. Thanks Bookishfirst for the free book. It just wasn't for me.

Made me laugh out loud many times. Some shocking humor which wasn't necessary for me, but I enjoyed Julia's internal monologue (very relatable and down to earth) and I was rooting for her the whole way through.

Queer..... But so so soooo problematic. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
emotional funny slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated