A review by marywahlmeierbracciano
The World Cannot Give by Tara Isabella Burton

challenging dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This dark and lyrical novel by theologian Tara Isabella Burton is told from the perspective of a naive, impressionable girl who, at the start of her junior year, transfers to the coastal boarding school featured in her favorite novel, which is reminiscent of A Separate Peace.  She is captivated by the chapel choir—especially by its hypnotizing leader and soprano, Virginia—and she is overjoyed to fall into favor with the exclusive group.  The singers, who also deify the novel and its alumnus author, are puppeteered by Virginia, whose obsession with gravity and piety leads her down a dangerous and surprising path.  Exploring sexuality, integrity, and idolization, this is a novel about wanting to become something one has read about. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, Bullying, Alcohol, and Toxic friendship

Moderate: Lesbophobia, Eating disorder, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Sexual content, Self harm, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Sexual violence, Death, Child death, Infidelity, and Grief

The content warning for sexual violence is referring to sharing intimate videos without consent.