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A review by hollierose_
Redeeming 6 by Chloe Walsh

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The heartbreaking nature of non-linear recovery is amazingly depicted in such a harrowing way in this novel. Some may argue it’s a repetitive notion - within the book in terms of relapses for Joey, or from previous books in terms of events. That repetition works to showcase how increasingly destructive each of Joey’s relapses become - with drugs, with his anger, with his hopelessness and with the building of his walls. It also aids to contextualise Joey’s character in the storyline we already know is occurring, and provides insight into how much of a protector he is - to the point that Shannon and the rest of the kids are protected even from the harm of Joey’s reality itself, as proved by her perspective in Binding and Keeping 13. And that is being contrasted with Aoife’s perspective as someone who Joey has let in, and who thus feels the pain of his actions. There is so many beautifully intricate and interwoven narrative and structural choices being made throughout this series that significantly pay off in this novel. 

This is the book that is essentially a mainline connection to my emotions - I could discern that from the first few pages. Because Saving 6 hurt, because you watched a boy without hope find safety, only highlighting how much he needed it. But Redeeming 6 showcases the heartbreaking reality of mental health - you can’t love someone into healing. But also, healing isn’t linear and it feature continual relapse - the age old relapse is a part of recovery. That is clear in this book. And it hurts because it’s done spectacularly.

The thing that draws me to Joey is the same thing that draws me to characters like Justin Foley - the ones who aren’t perfect. Arent the perfect victim, who don’t react to trauma in the perfect way to appease onlookers. But the ones who try their best to survive, to deal, and deep down have a little bit of hope that one day they can do more than that. 

I know many will probably say they prefer Saving 6 to Redeeming 6 as it gives Joey and Aoife’s backstory, but how Redeeming 6 strings together events of trauma and its repercussions in a way that feels like human reactions rather than just plot points solidifies this firmly as my favourite Boys Of Tommen book thus far. 

Also, I have to say, every time they mention rolos, I just think about the old school metal celebrations tin my nan stocked with chocolate that I would raid as we watched game shows together after school. It just speaks so specifically to a little piece of nostalgia within me. 

My main critique is that I saw A LOT of typos/spelling/editing mistakes in this one which, at times, did disrupt the flow of the writing significantly. 

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