Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - Dreamland

Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

gracegooglymoogly's review

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This is the saddest Dessen book. I read it in a three-day span, and, although I knew it was a harsh book about abuse, it was still striking to me when the abuse started. The picture Dessen paints of the life the protagonist spirals down into is nightmarishly eye-opening. It's candy-coated, but a scary time, especially in hindsight.

This book also wins points with me in terms of the parents. I feel like most of the parents in Dessen's books end up becoming a necessary conflict by the end of the second act--seemingly out of nowhere. In this, the issue with the parents is foundational from the get-go, and is subtle, which makes the ending that more rewarding. Also, the juxtaposition of Caitlin's relationship with Rogerson to her mother's relationship with Cass is also just *chef's kiss*.

Please read this.

Content Warnings