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A review by simone_k
Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, it was poetic, insightful, and emotional.
The characterisation of Amber was really good. She was such a complex character, and her complexity was understandable considering her situation. In particular, her anger was quite interesting to explore, as well as her bullying of Gemma. It just goes to show how well this novel was written, that even despite Amber's bullying of Gemma, I completely understood why she was doing that and still rooted for her. The characters of Ruby and Amber's mum were also so well written, and I found it really interesting to see how Ruby and her mum's relationship was affected by the dad's abuse. That was another aspect of the book that I enjoyed; how abuse affects so many aspects of a family's life, how it impacts children's outlook on life, and why it's so difficult to leave for the wife.
The one thing that I didn't enjoy was when David said to Amber, "You're not like other girls." Like seriously? I find it quite ironic that this book was a feminist novel and then there's that line. Even when this novel thoroughly explored sexism, misogyny, and its terrible consequences, it's astounding that internalised misogyny still exists. Unfortunately, it pulled me out of the immersion of the novel, and I found this quite disappointing.
However, I did really enjoy this book and it would easily have given it 5 stars if not for that sexist line I would definitely recommend this fantastic book.
The characterisation of Amber was really good. She was such a complex character, and her complexity was understandable considering her situation. In particular, her anger was quite interesting to explore, as well as her bullying of Gemma. It just goes to show how well this novel was written, that even despite Amber's bullying of Gemma, I completely understood why she was doing that and still rooted for her. The characters of Ruby and Amber's mum were also so well written, and I found it really interesting to see how Ruby and her mum's relationship was affected by the dad's abuse. That was another aspect of the book that I enjoyed; how abuse affects so many aspects of a family's life, how it impacts children's outlook on life, and why it's so difficult to leave for the wife.
The one thing that I didn't enjoy was when David said to Amber, "You're not like other girls." Like seriously? I find it quite ironic that this book was a feminist novel and then there's that line. Even when this novel thoroughly explored sexism, misogyny, and its terrible consequences, it's astounding that internalised misogyny still exists. Unfortunately, it pulled me out of the immersion of the novel, and I found this quite disappointing.
However, I did really enjoy this book and it would easily have given it 5 stars if not for that sexist line I would definitely recommend this fantastic book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Alcoholism