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

Not worth the 6-8 hours to read it.