Scan barcode
A review by sassylk
In at the Deep End by Kate Davies
funny
informative
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A very fast read from me, probably the fastest of the year so far!
I asked the lady in Gays the Word for a book that was about unapologetic queer joy - i’m not sure this exactly met that request, but it was a fun read nonetheless. I don’t think I expected quite as many sex descriptions (don’t read this on the tube!!), but I guess I learned a lot.
It was a very delicate portrait of a descent into an abusive relationship, told in a very realistic and nuanced way. However, did I like Julia that much? Not particularly… She was really quite self-centered, barely listening to all her friends who seemed to relentlessly care about her even though she treated them like shit most of the time, quite frankly. Also, although obviously Sam is the bad guy here, Julia had been told that she was non-monogamous from the very beginning, so I don’t understand why she was so upset when Sam was non-monogamous? Also - how did she come to terms with her sexuality SO FAST?? She literally had one night of sex with a woman and immediately knew she was a lesbian, when I feel like it barely works like that in real life.
Okay, now the complaints are over - this was a funny, light read that also covered an issue that isn’t often spoke about - abusive wlw relationships are very much real and more light should be shed on the dynamics of them. There were some great similes in here, and the motif of the letter writing was very sweet. A clear 3 stars!
I asked the lady in Gays the Word for a book that was about unapologetic queer joy - i’m not sure this exactly met that request, but it was a fun read nonetheless. I don’t think I expected quite as many sex descriptions (don’t read this on the tube!!), but I guess I learned a lot.
It was a very delicate portrait of a descent into an abusive relationship, told in a very realistic and nuanced way. However, did I like Julia that much? Not particularly… She was really quite self-centered, barely listening to all her friends who seemed to relentlessly care about her even though she treated them like shit most of the time, quite frankly. Also, although obviously Sam is the bad guy here, Julia had been told that she was non-monogamous from the very beginning, so I don’t understand why she was so upset when Sam was non-monogamous? Also - how did she come to terms with her sexuality SO FAST?? She literally had one night of sex with a woman and immediately knew she was a lesbian, when I feel like it barely works like that in real life.
Okay, now the complaints are over - this was a funny, light read that also covered an issue that isn’t often spoke about - abusive wlw relationships are very much real and more light should be shed on the dynamics of them. There were some great similes in here, and the motif of the letter writing was very sweet. A clear 3 stars!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Self harm, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse