Reviews with content warning for Physical abuse - Bright Young Women

Stunning and startling in equal turn. I greatly admire how Knoll weaves the theme of sisterhood throughout, not in an icky "girl boss"/white feminism way but, rather, in a profound call to reconsider—to remember—the shared responsibility we hold to do better for each other. A true sucker punch of a novel, one that I'd think would pair well with A Tiny Upward Shove.

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crystalclearfairytales's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A

4.75

"Sometimes I think The Defendant is just another old wives' tale. That law enforcement backed up his self-purported claims of brilliance to cover up their own incompetence -- in interviews they have the media, in testimonies they made before the judge -- and it all cemented from there, hardening into a generational truth passed down from mother to daughter. Consider this my own warning: The man was no diabolical genius. He was your run-of-the-mill incel whom I caught picking his nose in the courtroom. More than once."

This book did such a good job at demonstrating how the media and law enforcement have painted well-known serial killers as charismatic geniuses to cover up their own negligence. The way the author completely stripped away serial killer's identity by labelling him as 'The Defendant' perfectly conveyed how small he was. The author did not hold back in describing the misogyny, carelessness, and deceit that was heavily involved in this case which really goes to show how serial killers have had the spotlight for so long. It was satisfying that a book about crime did not glamorize the murderer or hearings in any capacity for once.

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cordeliacondron's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

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tigerkind's review against another edition

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dark hopeful inspiring sad tense slow-paced

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

4.25

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grunbean's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I could not thank Jessica Knoll enough for treating this man as he ought to be. Bitter, angry, and sad, this is a book that will fill you with a resentment for decades of media manipulation and publicity for a nose picking incel. I have never read anything quite like it, and it had me near tears.

The portrayal of the leading women and their relationships is some of the best characterisation for women I’ve seen. I was rooting for them the whole way through.

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