A review by lynnaeday
The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

dark sad medium-paced

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

2.5

The overarching feeling I had from this book was “she’s trying too hard.” Knowing it was Rowling’s first novel for adults, it felt like she was trying to prove that she can write about grown-up topics, not just kid stuff. But the entire book was an assault of grief, hardship, every kind of abuse, and all of the ways we hurt each other when we’re hurting. The only redeeming thing about it was one character learning to stand up for themselves (and that was only one plot line of many). 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Suicide, Self harm, Child abuse, Child death, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Rape, Physical abuse, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Grief, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Death, Cursing, Classism, Lesbophobia, Bullying, Adult/minor relationship, and Abandonment

Not worth the 6-8 hours to read it.