A review by lakeh
Bruised by Tanya Boteju

dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

This book was a bit rough to read. Everything I wanted in the first half, I got in the last 2 chapters of the book. 

Daya was inconsistent and so, so angry. It was really hard to have her as the main character and read through her eyes (1st person pov). I enjoyed the crazy, out-of-nowhere growth at the end, but really wish it was gradual throughout the book. The self-harm almost had me putting the book down a few times, and the heart-warming moments were really missing something. This book had promise, but was missing a lot.

I'm glad this book was written, I learned a lot about Roller Derby and had some lovely rep, but it wasn't what I was hoping it would be. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm