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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
relaxing
sad
medium-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
Before I Let You Go was a totally engaging read made up of some of my favourite bookish ingredients. There’s a strong but complicated sisterly bond within the context of a dysfunctional family. Both sisters are flawed in their own way but I was really rooting for them, even when I wanted to scream at them occasionally for some bad choices. There is a spotlight shone on misogynistic, patriarchal religious cults and the long term harm they can cause. There is a look at the enduring impact of sexual abuse. There is also a very realistic but non-judgemental exploration of the issues of drug addiction through both the lens of the addicted person and the lens of a family member. The novel highlights the scandalous way pregnant women with drug addictions can be stripped of their bodily integrity and autonomy, and how this can often result in outcomes contrary to those intended. At times the messaging on this point was a little heavy handed but not enough to seriously detract from my enjoyment. The story also depicts the reality of a baby born with a drug addiction, which is as heartbreaking as you would expect. All of this unfolds via the dual perspectives of Lexie and Annie as adults, but with numerous flashbacks to their younger years. There is even an epistolary element, something I typically enjoy. And the book wraps up with a very satisfying ending, albeit one that is not an unrealistically Hollywood happy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Sexual violence, and Violence
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