A review by ccard0223
When We Were Bright and Beautiful by Jillian Medoff

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

1.0

The first half of the book was intriguing. Although I hated (actually hated) all of the characters and could not relate to anyone, I was intrigued by the rape case. However, the second half of the book made me loathe every sentence. <spolier> The reveal that Marcus was actually Lawrence was so sloppy I could scream. So the entire family knows that there is an incestual relationship going on, but still begs Cassie to return to the home of her abuser time and time again? Nate is constantly making comments about how Cassie is never there to go over the case, etc etc KNOWING that his FATHER is obsessed with his sister? And Haggerty- the detective. His "#timesup #metoo" text at the trial made me want to rage. You, sir, do not get to out someone's abuser and then claim #metoo FOR that victim. The entire trial felt like it was written by someone that has never seen the inside of a courtroom. It was maddening. And to make matters even worse, when Cassie finally figured out that yes, Ben was a rapist, the family just continues living their high life and pretending everything is fine. They are ok to throw Lawrence under the proverbial bus, but not Ben??? A violent rapist who got away with it only because his father's incestual relationship came out at his trial? GROSS. <spolier>
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