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A review by snugglor
Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Parts of this book really resonated with me, as I also grew up queer in (late) 90s rural Ireland, and some of the writing really is sublime.
However, the reason it isn't five stars is that around the 65% mark, the protagonist gets so mired in misery that it is a bit miserable to read for a bit. It does come out the other side, but there's a little chunk there that is a chore.
It does do a good job of capturing the fear of rejection and abandonment in Catholic and rural Ireland at that time, as well as general small town life.
However, the reason it isn't five stars is that around the 65% mark, the protagonist gets so mired in misery that it is a bit miserable to read for a bit. It does come out the other side, but there's a little chunk there that is a chore.
It does do a good job of capturing the fear of rejection and abandonment in Catholic and rural Ireland at that time, as well as general small town life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Abandonment, Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Outing
Minor: Death of parent