Reviews with content warning for Lesbophobia - 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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ashkane's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.0

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litbrett's review

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dark emotional informative sad tense slow-paced

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

3.0

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stuvonbon's review against another edition

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challenging emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Okay, so I didn’t realize that this book was based on true events! And I definitely didn’t realize until the last like… 15 minutes of the audio that I KNEW about these events! While the story-telling was a little slow, it helped that I was listening to the audiobook. I adore Sutton Foster, so that made the story even better!

Pamela, Ruth, and Tina were such strong women and inspiring characters to me. I connected to each of them throughout the story, to the point like I felt I knew them and their struggles personally. I enjoyed the metacognitive moments and internal conflicts throughout. I would absolutely recommend this book, but I wouldn’t label it as a thriller or a mystery - just a fictional narrative inspired by reality.

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pollyem's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

“Law enforcement would rather we remember a dull man as brilliant than take a good hard look at the role they played in this absolute sideshow, and I am sick to death of watching them in their pressed shirts and cowboy boots, in their comfortable leather interview chairs, in hugely successful and critically acclaimed crime documentaries, talking about the intelligence and charm and wiliness of an ordinary misogynist."

This book is a peak behind the curtain into 'impossible grief'. Pamela loses her best-friend to someone whom reporters portray as a cunning, attractive man who used these skills to his advantage when women fell at his feet. This couldn't be further from the truth.
A page-turning dive into the misogyny towards victims and the discovery that there is no perfect way to be a victim. This is a fictionalised account of the story that is so often glossed over in the obsession with 'The Defendant'. The power of survivors and their hunger for truth and justice.
Knoll's writing style was captivating, leaving me wanting to read on, even as rage boiled within me. If you want a read with a darker side, that will light a spark in your belly, this book could be for you.
To my fellow survivors, I see you.
Tread carefully.

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hanhantap's review against another edition

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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? Yes

4.25

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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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