Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - Plain Bad Heroines

I did really enjoy this book. It only took me so long to read because I’ve been so busy and tired recently, I don’t get to read as much as I’d like. I think if I had more time and I was able to get through it quicker I would have enjoyed it even more.

I usually really struggle to get through books that change perspective. I get so invested in each character that I can’t get onboard with the sudden change. But I enjoyed this. Maybe because I’ve been reading it slowly anyway, but also I have genuinely enjoyed all the characters and all their backstories. Although I still had a lot of questions by the end so I didn't finish it entirely without feeling disappointed.

Also, and this will sound made up, but genuinely in the mornings when I’ve been getting ready for school, there have been wasps coming through my window which has never happened before. I think they’re attracted to the light as it’s still dark when I get up recently. But still, creepy!

Content Warnings

celery's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

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

4.0

Content Warnings

pjdotcom's review

Go to review page

dark funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

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

4.0

Content Warnings

sauvageloup's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.0

glad to have read this, because the concept is fresh and interesting, and I need to read more wholly sapphic books. but it tried to do too much and didnt pull it off.
this review on tumblr by flying-elliska has all my thoughts well said:
https://www.tumblr.com/flying-elliska/672822130083233792/and-now-for-sapphic-reads-time-the-sequel-tm?source=share

pros:
- the setting was a fleshed out character in itself and I loved that. the orchard apples, the tower, the orangerie, the beach, etc.
- I liked the story of the original woman, simone, who lived on the land.
- some imagery was definitely creepy and disturbing, especially eating wasps.
- the main characters were interesting, and I liked that they became a poly triad rather than a love triangle.

cons:
- too many characters, too much rambling, too meta, too plotty and just too long.
- I never really got truly creeped out. it just didnt sink deep enough into that and there wasnt enough real danger. the deaths were distant and over fast. didnt feel that sad at any of them.
- more interesting to see more flo and Clara for sure.

a different read for sure and I'm glad I read it, but disappointing and a bit slow too.

Content Warnings