Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Mary: An Awakening of Terror

Mary, you are my hero! I declare this so on behalf of all middle-aged, perimenopausal women living under a careless patriarchy. Nat Cassidy, your momma raised you right! Aside from your author's note, where your devotion to your mom was evident, I can only conclude she taught you well based on how you wrote Mary's transformation.

If I could, I would teach this book as part of a college-level women's studies or feminism class. There is so much symbolism all over the book, including the obvious, like the mirrors, the furies, the ants, the hot flashes, her Loved Ones, etc. I gave Mary and Nat an imaginary chest-bump every time she seethed against being called crazy. And I enjoyed rooting for and watching Mary transform from a nobody (not even she gave herself any consideration) to someone who is on the cusp of extraordinary. Her rage is what drives her, and she didn't even know she had any until she had to use it. I have so much optimism for Mary's future.

The afterword was worth sticking around for. I can't believe Cassidy started this book at age 13. Brilliant. Thank you for speaking on behalf of every woman who has ever been medically gaslit and/or subjected to male doctors who were dismissive of our pain. Thank you for celebrating all the invisible and overlooked women who were put out to pasture. Thank you for being a wonderful ally against the ageism women face, should we be lucky enough to live long enough to have to deal with it.

This was my first Cassidy book. I really look forward to getting to know more of this writer's works.

Content Warnings

stephanieanneauthor's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

It's interesting that Stephen King's "Carrie" was a source of inspiration for this story, because ever since I read Stephen King's "Insomnia" I've been enamored with horror stories that feature older protagonists. So of course, I adored this twisted look at menopause and growing old. But it's so much more than that. There are so many elements at play in this story that there's never a dull moment, and the gore is spectacular. Most importantly, the characters are well written - Aunt Nadine was, without a doubt, my favourite. I can't believe it took me so long to get to this book. I can't wait to read more by Nat Cassidy!

Content Warnings

battlebornbri's review

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dark mysterious 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? Yes

1.0

Ahhh changing my review after fully finishing it.

Pinning the massacre on the only POC in the whole book, who is also the only decent person in the book, is an awful way for this to go. Just awful especially coming from a white man.

Content Warnings

hauntedantiqueshop's review

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dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.25

I was on the waitlist for this book with my library FOR SIX MONTHS!!!! I was psyched to finally read it. I thought it had an interesting premise and liked where everything was going, up to one point at the end. The whole Nancy twist really threw me, I’m still a little confused on that if I’m honest. But it’s a Good For Her™️ book nonetheless! I also really liked and appreciated the author’s note and afterword. Will definitely read more from this author!

Content Warnings