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A review by wonderlandbooks
Bruised by Tanya Boteju
sad
fast-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
3.0
Contemporary is not really my choice genre to read but I will always make an exception for queer stories.
This was an incredibly quick read for me but unfortunately not a exceptional read. I enjoyed reading the parts about Roller Derby, however the main character was just awful and I know she has been through something horrific but it was hard to sympathise with her when she was just plain rude and arrogant.
There was so much diversity within the story with lots of POC and LGBT+ characters which was fantastic to see but they felt a little one dimensional. I would love to have seen a little more of a build up with the romance, it was clear the love interest had a thing Daya but Daya being interested in them was out of nowhere.
The topic of self harm was dealt with well however the end result not so much. Love does not cure Mental Illness and it felt very rushed how everything wrapped up.
This was an incredibly quick read for me but unfortunately not a exceptional read. I enjoyed reading the parts about Roller Derby, however the main character was just awful and I know she has been through something horrific but it was hard to sympathise with her when she was just plain rude and arrogant.
There was so much diversity within the story with lots of POC and LGBT+ characters which was fantastic to see but they felt a little one dimensional. I would love to have seen a little more of a build up with the romance, it was clear the love interest had a thing Daya but Daya being interested in them was out of nowhere.
The topic of self harm was dealt with well however the end result not so much. Love does not cure Mental Illness and it felt very rushed how everything wrapped up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent and Violence