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ladycaroline's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book is intense, and the ending is much more likely to leave you feeling angry and uncomfortable than satisfied. But even though I hated the ending, it is one that feels grounded in reality — as much as we desire justice for victims, our society would rather see a rich, handsome rapist go free and live without consequence than ensure a victim receive justice. And even though I was frustrated by Cassie in the end, I believe the author did a great job showing that for many victims, it is not easy to see yourself as a victim, and it is difficult to untangle yourself from your abuser, especially if they have ensured your life is enmeshed with theirs .
The only qualms I have with this book was how slow it was in the beginning, but it does pick up later in the second half. And there were times where the timelines got a bit jumbled in my head but other than that, I think it was written well.
The only qualms I have with this book was how slow it was in the beginning, but it does pick up later in the second half. And there were times where the timelines got a bit jumbled in my head but other than that, I think it was written well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Fatphobia, Classism, Drug use, and Eating disorder
thatswhatshanread's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
*Please look up all content warnings for this novel. There are many and they go very in depth.*
I went into this one not knowing much about it, other than it being a BOTM choice that really intrigued me. I think it’s important to let the story do the talking, rather than personal bias or other people’s reviews. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid that, but I think especially with this book, you need to recognize that the scenes are written very deeply in the POV of the MC, a rich and privileged young woman, though troubled and much more than what appears on the surface.
This book dares you to play devil’s advocate for the worst possible scenario you could face as a woman. A case you would immediately fight against. Unthinkable, especially in today’s society. As a woman. As someone identifying as a woman. A daughter. A sister. A mother. A human being.
A sexual assault case. A rich, handsome, white Princeton-educated young man versus the “obsessive” ex-girlfriend. We all know the story, unfortunately all too well.
Where “When We Were Bright and Beautiful” differs is that it’s told from the POV of the accused’s older sister who believes him to be innocent. What ensues with her life, her secrets, her family’s secrets, and the trial as a whole is unsettling and shocking, but far more than just in the ways you’d expect.
Dysfunctional lives of the rich and (in)famous. This is an incredible family drama that’s centered around privilege, control, and power. It’s a sickly accurate view of high society and rape culture, while in some ways being another stepping stone in the never-ending fight to believe victims.
I went into this one not knowing much about it, other than it being a BOTM choice that really intrigued me. I think it’s important to let the story do the talking, rather than personal bias or other people’s reviews. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid that, but I think especially with this book, you need to recognize that the scenes are written very deeply in the POV of the MC, a rich and privileged young woman, though troubled and much more than what appears on the surface.
This book dares you to play devil’s advocate for the worst possible scenario you could face as a woman. A case you would immediately fight against. Unthinkable, especially in today’s society. As a woman. As someone identifying as a woman. A daughter. A sister. A mother. A human being.
A sexual assault case. A rich, handsome, white Princeton-educated young man versus the “obsessive” ex-girlfriend. We all know the story, unfortunately all too well.
Where “When We Were Bright and Beautiful” differs is that it’s told from the POV of the accused’s older sister who believes him to be innocent. What ensues with her life, her secrets, her family’s secrets, and the trial as a whole is unsettling and shocking, but far more than just in the ways you’d expect.
Dysfunctional lives of the rich and (in)famous. This is an incredible family drama that’s centered around privilege, control, and power. It’s a sickly accurate view of high society and rape culture, while in some ways being another stepping stone in the never-ending fight to believe victims.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Incest, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Classism, Gaslighting, Grief, Pedophilia, Addiction, Alcohol, Bullying, Cursing, Death of parent, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Eating disorder, Confinement, Car accident, Vomit, Toxic friendship, Stalking, Sexism, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, and Medical content
Minor: Body shaming, Abandonment, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
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