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velvet_young 's review for:
Sweat
by Emma Healey
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Heavy trigger warnings for calorie counting, eating disorders, emotional and physical abuse, as these are detailed graphically. Check the content warnings and pause if you need to!
While at times the plot is a little farcical, this was an interesting exploration of power and control in personal and professional relationships. The gym and wellness content was brilliantly done and made some astute comments on the industry, and the depiction of coercive control felt so real it became uncomfortable to listen at times. The punishment and torture imposed on the protagonist by her partner was skillfully set up alongside the discipline she put herself through to feel in control:
That’s why the locked fridge had been such an insult. I was already in a prison of my own making. I didn’t need Liam to add any bars.
Would recommend to gym and sports enthusiasts as it probes the fine line between healthy and harmful habits and how self worth can be tied up in your weight, appearance and fitness level / progress.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Kidnapping, Stalking