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erint251's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
I don't know if the author would see himself — or the semi-fictionalised Sean — this way, but I think this book gives an insight into a certain archetype of guy. The sort of guy who feels left behind by the culture war. The guy who everyone is quick to make their own snap judgements about. The guy who can see clearly through everyone else's bullshit, but doesn't always notice when he's filling the gaps with bullshit of his own. The Joe Rogan fan.
I wasn't unsympathetic to the main character. I appreciated the author's willingness to describe things warts and all, to examine his own dark thoughts. Having the physical medical struggles play out alongside his philosophising worked really well.
I did get used to the author's unique use of slang, but my god calling every woman [adjective] bae was so cringe. Otherwise I actually really liked his use of language, pacing etc. Between the writing style and the subject matter I did see a bit of Irvine Welsh in there.
I can see all the comparisons to Knaussgard and Kerouac, and I do think this book fits into a long tradition of what is easy to dismiss as edgy male navel-gazing. But it was nice to read something that felt refreshingly honest.
(P.s. The mention of a "Sus" Scottish author had me frantically googling some names to make sure they'd never taught in London, aha)
I wasn't unsympathetic to the main character. I appreciated the author's willingness to describe things warts and all, to examine his own dark thoughts. Having the physical medical struggles play out alongside his philosophising worked really well.
I did get used to the author's unique use of slang, but my god calling every woman [adjective] bae was so cringe. Otherwise I actually really liked his use of language, pacing etc. Between the writing style and the subject matter I did see a bit of Irvine Welsh in there.
I can see all the comparisons to Knaussgard and Kerouac, and I do think this book fits into a long tradition of what is easy to dismiss as edgy male navel-gazing. But it was nice to read something that felt refreshingly honest.
(P.s. The mention of a "Sus" Scottish author had me frantically googling some names to make sure they'd never taught in London, aha)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Abortion and Drug use
katiewhocanread's review
challenging
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexism, Medical content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug abuse and Abortion
Minor: Rape
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