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A review by bealmg
Careless by Kirsty Capes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Bess is 15 years old and lives with her foster family. Through her eyes, we see the cruelty of the care system in 90s England, the violence of an abusive relationship, and the healing potential of strong friendships.
Kirsty Capes wrote Bess with such gentleness and care (I've just read that the author is a care-experienced person). The way she grows and learns to make her on decisions was really special to witness. How she goes from a Boy-obsessed (yes, the upper case is on purpose) to a young woman who decides to fight for her future. And, of course, her best friend Eshal, whose family situation is very different from Bess's, but who also becomes more independent and sure of herself as the novel goes on.
This novel is quite short, but it approaches difficult themes with so much care and respect. Ranging from teenage pregnancy, abusive relationships, and the care system, to cultural values, family dynamics, and female friendships.
Although I found the first third of the book difficult to read (probably because we know what is going to happen in chapter 1, and all I wanted was to shout at Bess and say 'you're being ridiculous, please stop'), the rest of the novel flew by. Overall, a heart-wrenching, thought-provoking story about a young girl craving love.
Kirsty Capes wrote Bess with such gentleness and care (I've just read that the author is a care-experienced person). The way she grows and learns to make her on decisions was really special to witness. How she goes from a Boy-obsessed (yes, the upper case is on purpose) to a young woman who decides to fight for her future. And, of course, her best friend Eshal, whose family situation is very different from Bess's, but who also becomes more independent and sure of herself as the novel goes on.
This novel is quite short, but it approaches difficult themes with so much care and respect. Ranging from teenage pregnancy, abusive relationships, and the care system, to cultural values, family dynamics, and female friendships.
Although I found the first third of the book difficult to read (probably because we know what is going to happen in chapter 1, and all I wanted was to shout at Bess and say 'you're being ridiculous, please stop'), the rest of the novel flew by. Overall, a heart-wrenching, thought-provoking story about a young girl craving love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Blood, Adult/minor relationship, Suicide attempt, Rape, Pregnancy, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Vomit, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, and Racial slurs