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lateromantic 's review for:
The Surface Breaks
by Louise O'Neill
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't enjoy it as much as Louise O'Neill's other books I've read, but she did a wonderful job of extending The Little Mermaid and showing the queer and proto-feminist aspects of the story. Some bad language and sex references, though I would say the sex references are OK for young high school students as it teaches them about relating to healthy desires in a safe way and consent. More on-the-nose than her other books, but likely because it's aimed at a younger audience than them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Terminal illness, Death of parent
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol