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A review by talknerdybookblog
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
Representation: Gay supporting characters
Overall: 5-stars
Favourite Book of April 2022
Featured in my blog's April Wrap Up.
Wow, I was not expecting to love Writers & Lovers as much as I did. The author's comments on toxic masculinity and benevolent sexism in the literature and publishing industry weren't preachy but still incisive. I particularly enjoyed how the love triangle was used as a device for the author to explore toxic masculinity and to contrast societal expectations of women and men's genius. Specifically, how boys are raised to believe they are owed greatness, whereas girls are taught that there are limited seats at the table, so they should be competing amongst themselves for that seat. While the book centers a love triangle, the author really uses it as a plot device to explore the characters' struggles and growth.
The novel's exploration of grief and toxic parental relationships was also done really well. The mental health – and grief – of the main and supporting characters were incredibly prevalent and realistic throughout Writers & Lovers. The main character, Casey's growth as a character, was affirming – I loved that despite everything she was going through, at the core of the book is her desire to publish her book, which she's been working on for almost a decade (I think).
Casey's love of literature and writing jumped off the page. I especially enjoyed how she found joy in sharing her love of literature with others. However, my favourite part of Writers & Lovers has to be that while it documents and explores how trauma can impact our lives, the book primarily is about women succeeding.
Mature Themes:
• Non-descriptive sex scenes
• Alcohol consumption
• Does have swearing but from what I can remember, not much
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Depression
• Grief
• Attempted sexual assault
• Discussion of Heroine's father preying on high school students (he spied on the girl's changeroom)
• Sexism
• Discussion of death of a child
• Infidelity (Heroine is cheated on at the start of the book; Heroine's brother cheats on his partner at the end of the book)
• Parental abandonment
• Parental neglect
• Discussion of death from c@ncer
Ending:HFN
Overall: 5-stars
Favourite Book of April 2022
Featured in my blog's April Wrap Up.
Wow, I was not expecting to love Writers & Lovers as much as I did. The author's comments on toxic masculinity and benevolent sexism in the literature and publishing industry weren't preachy but still incisive. I particularly enjoyed how the love triangle was used as a device for the author to explore toxic masculinity and to contrast societal expectations of women and men's genius. Specifically, how boys are raised to believe they are owed greatness, whereas girls are taught that there are limited seats at the table, so they should be competing amongst themselves for that seat. While the book centers a love triangle, the author really uses it as a plot device to explore the characters' struggles and growth.
The novel's exploration of grief and toxic parental relationships was also done really well. The mental health – and grief – of the main and supporting characters were incredibly prevalent and realistic throughout Writers & Lovers. The main character, Casey's growth as a character, was affirming – I loved that despite everything she was going through, at the core of the book is her desire to publish her book, which she's been working on for almost a decade (I think).
Casey's love of literature and writing jumped off the page. I especially enjoyed how she found joy in sharing her love of literature with others. However, my favourite part of Writers & Lovers has to be that while it documents and explores how trauma can impact our lives, the book primarily is about women succeeding.
Mature Themes:
• Non-descriptive sex scenes
• Alcohol consumption
• Does have swearing but from what I can remember, not much
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Depression
• Grief
• Attempted sexual assault
• Discussion of Heroine's father preying on high school students (he spied on the girl's changeroom)
• Sexism
• Discussion of death of a child
• Infidelity (Heroine is cheated on at the start of the book; Heroine's brother cheats on his partner at the end of the book)
• Parental abandonment
• Parental neglect
• Discussion of death from c@ncer
Ending: