A review by geraldinerowe
Idol by Louise O'Neill

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Louise O'Neill is primarily known for writing YA fiction, and that style of writing is often apparent in Idol. That's not a criticism, just an observation. The book covers many themes including consent, how two people can remember the same situation differently, and power balance in a relationship. Ultimately it's the last of these that is dealt with most successfully as the other themes are entirely let down by the conclusion. The book keeps you guessing as to what the truth of the situation is, but its resolution is neither satisfying nor particularly believable. The final few pages are painfully clichéd and adolescent, spoiling what had been up until that point a fairly strong narrative. Three stars for the writing up until then.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings