A review by nordstina
Post-Traumatic by Chantal V. Johnson

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

In Post-Traumatic, Vivian is a lawyer working with mental health clients, and as the book progresses the reader gains more and more insight into her coping mechanisms for the trauma she experienced through her childhood (and ongoing strained relationship with her family as a result). It's an unflinching look at the mind and thoughts of someone struggling. She presents a front to others, for example heavily researching interests prior to having conversations in order to present an engaged and knowledgable front. She seeks validation particularly in men. She is incredibly focused on physical appearance and food (major trigger warning for readers as ED behavior runs rampant throughout the novel). We see her fragile supports falling away over time. This debut novel does an impressive job of entering the mind of someone struggling with trauma, and is willing to present Vivian in unfavorable light at times. She's a complex character, and I appreciate the journey the reader goes on with her.
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