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What Red Was
When Kate Quaile meets Max Rippon in the first week of university, a life-changing friendship begins. Over the next four years, the two become inseparable. For him, she breaks her solitude; for her, he leaves his busy circles behind. But knowing Max means knowing his family: the wealthy Rippons, all generosity, social ease, and quiet repression. Theirs is a very different world from Kate’s own upbringing, and yet she finds herself quickly drawn into their gilded lives, and the secrets that lie beneath. Until one evening, at the Rippons home, just after graduation, her life is shattered apart in a bedroom while a party goes on downstairs.
What Red Was is an incisive and mesmerizing novel about power, privilege, and consent--one that fearlessly explores the effects of trauma on the mind and body of a young woman, the tyrannies of memory, the sacrifices involved in staying silent, and the courage in speaking out. And when Kate does, it raises this urgent question: whose story is it now?
What Red Was is an incisive and mesmerizing novel about power, privilege, and consent--one that fearlessly explores the effects of trauma on the mind and body of a young woman, the tyrannies of memory, the sacrifices involved in staying silent, and the courage in speaking out. And when Kate does, it raises this urgent question: whose story is it now?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2019
153 people are currently reading
13885 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Price
28 books98 followersROSIE PRICE grew up in Gloucestershire and then studied English at Cambridge. She worked for three years as an assistant at a literary agency before leaving to focus on her own writing. She lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
September 18, 2019
An exploration of how a traumatic assault can spurn disquieting reverberations through a small group of acquaintances
First the good: This book did a respectable job of unpacking the feelings, emotions, and behaviors that can manifest after a rape. The assault scene was described in detail, so please take heed if that is something that might be a trigger. Kate, our heroine, goes through emotional phases as she tries to come to terms with what will now always be described as 'before the rape' and 'after the rape'. She feels shattered as a jagged line is unfairly and without permission split down the center of her life, the before and the after. The assailant? You must read to find out..
The Bad: There wasn't much plot. Some people are OK with this, but I'm not. I felt as if I was reading the same page over and over again. It was almost as if I was in the movie 'Ground Hog Day'. I know the subject material may have warranted this setup, however, I wasn't a fan. In addition, I felt that the ending was too tidy. It was as if the book came to an end and the character's pain and suffering came to an abrupt end, as well.
So there you have it. My likes and my gripes. I do feel as if it was well-written for a debut novel. I always love new authors dipping their toes into the bounteous sea of writers we already have to select from. It keeps things fresh and exciting. So keep it comin'!
August 27, 2019
Thank you, Crown Publishing for sending me a free ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
"What Red Was" by Rosie Price is an unflinching look at the aftermath of a sexual assault. Kate and Max meet their first semester at College, and soon become inseparable friends. Their friendship is platonic and refreshing. I liked how Price didn't try to force a sexual relationship. Nothing about their friendship feels contrived or manipulative. Men and women can be friends.
This novel has different points-of-view including: Kate, Max, Max's mother (a film director), etc. At first, I thought Kate should be the one telling her story, but midway through, I ended up really enjoying hearing from the various characters. It made me for a compelling and well-rounded read.
There is a rape scene. It's graphic, but nothing gratuitous. But if you are a survivor of sexual assault, some of the content might be trigging. Also, self-harm is also discussed, which might be another trigger for those who struggle with it. I don't want to ruin who is the culprit, but it's NOT Max. I only mention this because I don't want readers to feel deceived or tricked. Again, I appreciate Price for not being predictable.
This was a difficult book to read, but the overall reading experience was satisfying and authentic. I don't think everyone will be happy with the way this book ends though. But I feel like Price tried to write an honest story about a young woman coming to grips with being raped, and the inner struggles she must face in order to heal. In hindsight, trauma affects everyone differently.
Release date: August 27, 2019.
"What Red Was" by Rosie Price is an unflinching look at the aftermath of a sexual assault. Kate and Max meet their first semester at College, and soon become inseparable friends. Their friendship is platonic and refreshing. I liked how Price didn't try to force a sexual relationship. Nothing about their friendship feels contrived or manipulative. Men and women can be friends.
This novel has different points-of-view including: Kate, Max, Max's mother (a film director), etc. At first, I thought Kate should be the one telling her story, but midway through, I ended up really enjoying hearing from the various characters. It made me for a compelling and well-rounded read.
There is a rape scene. It's graphic, but nothing gratuitous. But if you are a survivor of sexual assault, some of the content might be trigging. Also, self-harm is also discussed, which might be another trigger for those who struggle with it. I don't want to ruin who is the culprit, but it's NOT Max. I only mention this because I don't want readers to feel deceived or tricked. Again, I appreciate Price for not being predictable.
This was a difficult book to read, but the overall reading experience was satisfying and authentic. I don't think everyone will be happy with the way this book ends though. But I feel like Price tried to write an honest story about a young woman coming to grips with being raped, and the inner struggles she must face in order to heal. In hindsight, trauma affects everyone differently.
Release date: August 27, 2019.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2021
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What Red Was is a stark and riveting debut novel that vividly depicts the lasting effects of rape on a young woman's mind, body, and life. This is not for the 'faint of heart', and I am not writing this as some sort of snide but more of a 'heads-up' since this novel portrays rape and trauma in an unflinchingly way. At times I was overwhelmed. The story will make you angry, sad, distressed, experience all the sort of emotions you should feel when reading about such a horrific act.
Another thing that I appreciated is that the story didn't reduce its characters to convenient stereotypes. Nor did it glamorise depression, addiction(s), or self-harm. (Unlike a certain other novel out there...)
Kate wasn't reduced to the abominable violation committed against her. She was a relatable and interesting character, and following her life prior to 'that day' really brought her character to life. Her friendship with Max was complex and poignant, and it didn't fall victim to the friends-to-lovers cliché. The way their relationship changes over the years saddened me, yet it seemed inevitable and far too realistic.
Initially I thought that following the perspectives of Max's family members detracted attention from Kate's storyline but it soon becomes apparent that by shifting the focus to them made them into far more fleshed out characters. However uneasy this shift made me feel (especially when we read of the thoughts and general worldview of Max's cousin) it gave the novel a more 'democratic' approach, were everyone, regardless of their likability had page-time.
This story is relevant, raw, and compelling even in its darkest moments. While I wished for a neater ending, I still would recommend this to those interested in reading a novel filled with fraught (and believable) familial relationships and a young woman's uneasy path towards recovering her sense of self after being raped.
What Red Was is a stark and riveting debut novel that vividly depicts the lasting effects of rape on a young woman's mind, body, and life. This is not for the 'faint of heart', and I am not writing this as some sort of snide but more of a 'heads-up' since this novel portrays rape and trauma in an unflinchingly way. At times I was overwhelmed. The story will make you angry, sad, distressed, experience all the sort of emotions you should feel when reading about such a horrific act.
Another thing that I appreciated is that the story didn't reduce its characters to convenient stereotypes. Nor did it glamorise depression, addiction(s), or self-harm. (Unlike a certain other novel out there...)
Kate wasn't reduced to the abominable violation committed against her. She was a relatable and interesting character, and following her life prior to 'that day' really brought her character to life. Her friendship with Max was complex and poignant, and it didn't fall victim to the friends-to-lovers cliché. The way their relationship changes over the years saddened me, yet it seemed inevitable and far too realistic.
Initially I thought that following the perspectives of Max's family members detracted attention from Kate's storyline but it soon becomes apparent that by shifting the focus to them made them into far more fleshed out characters. However uneasy this shift made me feel (especially when we read of the thoughts and general worldview of Max's cousin) it gave the novel a more 'democratic' approach, were everyone, regardless of their likability had page-time.
This story is relevant, raw, and compelling even in its darkest moments. While I wished for a neater ending, I still would recommend this to those interested in reading a novel filled with fraught (and believable) familial relationships and a young woman's uneasy path towards recovering her sense of self after being raped.
November 13, 2019
4.5 stars
"That was when she closed her eyes. That was the moment at which she shut off her mind, leaving her body to him. Locked out, shut down." -- page 82
Price's What Red Was takes a horrific or harrowing subject matter - in this instance, acquaintance sexual assault - and expands beyond the focus of just the victim and the assailant. Populating this story with a host of believable, or at least recognizable, British characters gave it a shot of gravitas.
There is a core quartet within the story: Kate, a working- or middle-class college student from a single-parent household who meets Max, a not-quite spoiled but happy rich kid type, early during their freshman year. Kate and Max become inseparable and the best of platonic friends, which then naturally leads to her meeting Max's affluent family, including his personable mother Zara, an A-list filmmaker, and his physician cousin, the shady Lewis. Then, during a summer break party at Max's family estate (while the responsible adults are away), Kate is sexually assaulted by a fellow guest.
How Kate copes with the trauma and aftermath, and how she admits or withholds her experience to the well-drawn cast of supporting characters (which includes her mother, a nice new boyfriend, a sassy friend from childhood, and even Max's older sister) comprises the latter two-thirds of the story. I want to step carefully, though, and not just say "I liked it" in a hollow-sounding way. I thought that author Price did an excellent job of showing of Kate's reaction and response to the incident and its lasting effects on her. Intriguingly, the subplots for the other main characters also keep running (as they live their own distinct lives), because Kate is initially very hesitant to speak of her experience. I suppose I thought that was realistic, as they actually would be unfortunately clueless about it.
"That was when she closed her eyes. That was the moment at which she shut off her mind, leaving her body to him. Locked out, shut down." -- page 82
Price's What Red Was takes a horrific or harrowing subject matter - in this instance, acquaintance sexual assault - and expands beyond the focus of just the victim and the assailant. Populating this story with a host of believable, or at least recognizable, British characters gave it a shot of gravitas.
There is a core quartet within the story: Kate, a working- or middle-class college student from a single-parent household who meets Max, a not-quite spoiled but happy rich kid type, early during their freshman year. Kate and Max become inseparable and the best of platonic friends, which then naturally leads to her meeting Max's affluent family, including his personable mother Zara, an A-list filmmaker, and his physician cousin, the shady Lewis. Then, during a summer break party at Max's family estate (while the responsible adults are away), Kate is sexually assaulted by a fellow guest.
How Kate copes with the trauma and aftermath, and how she admits or withholds her experience to the well-drawn cast of supporting characters (which includes her mother, a nice new boyfriend, a sassy friend from childhood, and even Max's older sister) comprises the latter two-thirds of the story. I want to step carefully, though, and not just say "I liked it" in a hollow-sounding way. I thought that author Price did an excellent job of showing of Kate's reaction and response to the incident and its lasting effects on her. Intriguingly, the subplots for the other main characters also keep running (as they live their own distinct lives), because Kate is initially very hesitant to speak of her experience. I suppose I thought that was realistic, as they actually would be unfortunately clueless about it.
May 24, 2019
He had always thought he would be able to recognise a man capable of rape... he had never thought that a handsome man would need to rape anyone.
Joining other recent books that have broken the silence around rape, non-consent and trauma, I applaud the intentions of this book but have to say that it's quite chaotic and messy as a novel. It feels unfocused, too much time spent on the family soap opera which ends up being the foreground rather than the context: as a result, the rape is almost marginalised, Kate's brokenness is one more wound amongst many, too many for my taste.
There are interesting ideas such as the one in the quotation above about how a man might think of rapists, who 'needs' to rape (er, no-one!) but it's never explored, just dropped in then the story moves on. Personally, I'd have liked less of the extended family stories and more about Kate's actions and reactions - but that's personal taste.
An important topic but an unfocused book.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley.
May 25, 2020
“It was not the attack in isolation but what it did afterward: the way it disabled the ability to trust and love and be loved, drained the world of color and light.”
If you expect a firework of a book, this one will definitely disappoint you. It’s a very quite, contemplative story.
I have a feeling this reflects quite realistically to a lot of survivors’ experience after the attack. The rumination, and fear of ramification of speaking up even to close friends/family members. It’s so sad and disheartening to think about the fact that people could question your truth...
“We were never together. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t break you heart though, losing someone like that.”
January 5, 2020
[trigger warning for sexual assault] I think this is a very interesting, very uneven book. What Red Was follows Kate and Max, two friends who meet during the first week of university and become inseparable. They come from very different backgrounds - Kate is from a poor single-parent household and Max's family is large and affluent - and after they graduate university, Kate's life is shattered when she's raped during a party at Max's family home.
From reading this book's summary and seeing its comparisons to Normal People by Sally Rooney and Asking For It by Louise O'Neill, I expected two things from What Red Was: a nuanced exploration of the aftermath of sexual assault (and Price mostly delivered here - more on this in a minute), and alternating perspectives between Kate and Max. What I didn't expect was that Max's family would feature so heavily into the narrative. We do indeed hear from both Max and Kate, but we also hear from Max's mom, Max's cousin, Max's uncle, Max's father, Max's sister, all of whom have very generic Rich People Problems. There's talk of depression, alcoholism, inheritance drama, all of which in theory has the potential to be compelling, but none of it really is. I can only imagine that Rosie Price structured her book this way because she wanted this to be more robust than 'a book about rape'; the result is that characters and stories which should merely exist to contextualize Kate's own narrative end up overpowering it.
The other problem which I encountered early on was that I didn't love Rosie Price's prose, which felt to me very conversational and millennial to the point where it distracted when we were in the heads of older characters.
However, when this book did focus on Kate, it excelled. This is a brilliant examination not only of the long-lasting physical toll taken by sexual assault, but also of the delicate balance that every victim must go through of deciding who to share their story with, and how much of their story to share. This isn't a book that advocates that victims not speak out, but it is an incredibly sympathetic look on how much more challenging it can be in reality than in theory.
I also thought Rosie Price did an excellent job at writing Kate and Max's friendship - a lot of the foundation of their relationship was glossed over given that four years of university were covered in about fifty pages, but I still found myself believing them and sympathizing with the extent to which Kate was concerned with Max's feelings.
Ultimately, I thought this was an important and nuanced book when it zeroed in on its central topic, but it did meander a bit too much for my liking.
From reading this book's summary and seeing its comparisons to Normal People by Sally Rooney and Asking For It by Louise O'Neill, I expected two things from What Red Was: a nuanced exploration of the aftermath of sexual assault (and Price mostly delivered here - more on this in a minute), and alternating perspectives between Kate and Max. What I didn't expect was that Max's family would feature so heavily into the narrative. We do indeed hear from both Max and Kate, but we also hear from Max's mom, Max's cousin, Max's uncle, Max's father, Max's sister, all of whom have very generic Rich People Problems. There's talk of depression, alcoholism, inheritance drama, all of which in theory has the potential to be compelling, but none of it really is. I can only imagine that Rosie Price structured her book this way because she wanted this to be more robust than 'a book about rape'; the result is that characters and stories which should merely exist to contextualize Kate's own narrative end up overpowering it.
The other problem which I encountered early on was that I didn't love Rosie Price's prose, which felt to me very conversational and millennial to the point where it distracted when we were in the heads of older characters.
However, when this book did focus on Kate, it excelled. This is a brilliant examination not only of the long-lasting physical toll taken by sexual assault, but also of the delicate balance that every victim must go through of deciding who to share their story with, and how much of their story to share. This isn't a book that advocates that victims not speak out, but it is an incredibly sympathetic look on how much more challenging it can be in reality than in theory.
I also thought Rosie Price did an excellent job at writing Kate and Max's friendship - a lot of the foundation of their relationship was glossed over given that four years of university were covered in about fifty pages, but I still found myself believing them and sympathizing with the extent to which Kate was concerned with Max's feelings.
Ultimately, I thought this was an important and nuanced book when it zeroed in on its central topic, but it did meander a bit too much for my liking.
April 9, 2019
2.5 rounded up
I'm struggling with how to review What Red Was - there are moments where it feels like a well-handled depiction of how one young woman deals with the aftermath of rape, and at others it feels like a bit of a drawn out and confused narrative lacking nuance, where the characters are kept at a distance (which is probably due to the style of writing). Yet something kept me reading, so if it sounds vaguely up your street I'd probably recommend checking it out.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House UK / Vintage Publishing for the advance copy, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I'm struggling with how to review What Red Was - there are moments where it feels like a well-handled depiction of how one young woman deals with the aftermath of rape, and at others it feels like a bit of a drawn out and confused narrative lacking nuance, where the characters are kept at a distance (which is probably due to the style of writing). Yet something kept me reading, so if it sounds vaguely up your street I'd probably recommend checking it out.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House UK / Vintage Publishing for the advance copy, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2019
This nuanced exploration of sexual assault and the resulting trauma manages to completely avoid the trap of salaciousness. It is in this understated and honest approach that the book’s true power lies. The story begins by showing the wonderful friendship that blossoms between Kate and Max throughout their years at university and beyond. The two are inseparable and unwaveringly honest with each other. When Kate is raped at a party by someone in Max’s inner circle, however, she must face not only the physical and mental implications of her attack, but a near impossible question: Should she tell Max the truth, and risk losing their friendship?
The friendship between Kate and Max is one of the most convincing and endearing that I’ve come across in fiction. The dynamic and chemistry between them is fantastic, and not once does Price cheapen its validity by questioning the entirely platonic nature of their relationship. It makes Kate’s dilemma following the assault all the more painful to watch unfold. It’s incredibly poignant to see Kate selflessly carry the burden of her secret alone, seeing it as an attempt to protect Max from a truth she knows will hurt him, potentially derailing their friendship.
The supporting characters are well developed and interesting in their own right. Through them, Price explores the notion that we are all dealing with our own private traumas, and the toxicity that can arise when we internalise that pain or turn to unhealthy vices for escape. She also touches on class divides. With Max’s mother, Zara, being a respected film director, he comes from a considerably wealthier background than Kate, and we soon see the privileges this has afforded his family – even if it hasn’t necessarily brought them happiness.
Throughout Kate’s attempts to understand and open up about what has happened to her, Price offers unflinching insight into the ramifications of rape, with major trigger warnings here for the likes of PTSD and self-harm. She shows us that rapists can come in many forms; that language and perspective can be used to try and warp the truth; and the frustration that can arise when the scars left by an assault are not outwardly discernible. Through Kate and Zara, however, she also explores the role that art can play in facing up to and processing trauma.
As much as I love a lot of what this book has to say, and how intelligently it says it, there were a couple of stumbling blocks right at the end that stopped me from giving it the full five stars. Being wary of spoilers, Kate presents a viewpoint in the final chapter, the wording of which I found very problematic. It was understandable given everything she’d been through, but for it to be presented as though the conclusion of her journey, rather than a mindset that could be challenged and overcome, left me feeling a little uncomfortable. I also felt that a few too many questions were left unanswered. Whilst deliberate to some extent, reflecting the idea that real stories don’t wrap up neatly, the lack of closure on certain key points was still frustrating from a narrative standpoint.
It’s a shame the book ended on a slightly negative note for me. I don’t want that to detract from the fantastic achievement this book is overall. It offers one of the most developed, thoughtful, frank, and important commentaries on sexual violence and coping with trauma that I’ve ever read.
The friendship between Kate and Max is one of the most convincing and endearing that I’ve come across in fiction. The dynamic and chemistry between them is fantastic, and not once does Price cheapen its validity by questioning the entirely platonic nature of their relationship. It makes Kate’s dilemma following the assault all the more painful to watch unfold. It’s incredibly poignant to see Kate selflessly carry the burden of her secret alone, seeing it as an attempt to protect Max from a truth she knows will hurt him, potentially derailing their friendship.
The supporting characters are well developed and interesting in their own right. Through them, Price explores the notion that we are all dealing with our own private traumas, and the toxicity that can arise when we internalise that pain or turn to unhealthy vices for escape. She also touches on class divides. With Max’s mother, Zara, being a respected film director, he comes from a considerably wealthier background than Kate, and we soon see the privileges this has afforded his family – even if it hasn’t necessarily brought them happiness.
Throughout Kate’s attempts to understand and open up about what has happened to her, Price offers unflinching insight into the ramifications of rape, with major trigger warnings here for the likes of PTSD and self-harm. She shows us that rapists can come in many forms; that language and perspective can be used to try and warp the truth; and the frustration that can arise when the scars left by an assault are not outwardly discernible. Through Kate and Zara, however, she also explores the role that art can play in facing up to and processing trauma.
As much as I love a lot of what this book has to say, and how intelligently it says it, there were a couple of stumbling blocks right at the end that stopped me from giving it the full five stars. Being wary of spoilers, Kate presents a viewpoint in the final chapter, the wording of which I found very problematic. It was understandable given everything she’d been through, but for it to be presented as though the conclusion of her journey, rather than a mindset that could be challenged and overcome, left me feeling a little uncomfortable. I also felt that a few too many questions were left unanswered. Whilst deliberate to some extent, reflecting the idea that real stories don’t wrap up neatly, the lack of closure on certain key points was still frustrating from a narrative standpoint.
It’s a shame the book ended on a slightly negative note for me. I don’t want that to detract from the fantastic achievement this book is overall. It offers one of the most developed, thoughtful, frank, and important commentaries on sexual violence and coping with trauma that I’ve ever read.
November 18, 2019
I thought the author did a great job handling all the emotions and unforeseen life impacts that can linger after a sexual assault.
The side character's unrelated stories pulled focus though, and I think this could have been better had she stayed centered on Kate.
***Free copy received from Goodreads giveaway***
The side character's unrelated stories pulled focus though, and I think this could have been better had she stayed centered on Kate.
***Free copy received from Goodreads giveaway***
May 31, 2019
You're telling me.
Too much tell and not enough show in this coolly recounted debut by young new author Rosie Price.
Covering the hot topics of an ambiguous rape and the resultant cutting, the victim drip-feeds the name of her known assailant in such a dispassionate style that it's hard to care. There's a confusing cast of characters and I found myself skipping increasingly large chunks.
In Room 101 of a novel-writing course, I believe this yawn-fest would have been called out by the tutor and it's puzzling that it was able to slip through the long-shot lottery. Lucky Rosie Price.
My thanks to Vintage for the review copy via NetGalley.
Too much tell and not enough show in this coolly recounted debut by young new author Rosie Price.
Covering the hot topics of an ambiguous rape and the resultant cutting, the victim drip-feeds the name of her known assailant in such a dispassionate style that it's hard to care. There's a confusing cast of characters and I found myself skipping increasingly large chunks.
In Room 101 of a novel-writing course, I believe this yawn-fest would have been called out by the tutor and it's puzzling that it was able to slip through the long-shot lottery. Lucky Rosie Price.
My thanks to Vintage for the review copy via NetGalley.
August 14, 2019
This book left me feeling very “meh”.
Even though I think books about rape and non-consensual sex are super important, that does not mean that they can get away with e.g. subpar writing in my opinion. The story is told from multiple points of view, but there are too many, which makes the writing style feel very messy. I was also very confused at the beginning by the various points of view, because at that point it was not at all clear why the reader should be interested in learning more about Max’s family.
Because of all this, the book started off pretty slow and I even thought about DNF’ing it at some point. I’m happy I didn’t though because it did get a bit more interesting later on in the book.
All in all, I think this is an important book about rape and what the effects are on the victim and those around them, but the writing style and feeling of the book was a bit off. TW for rape and self-harm.
Even though I think books about rape and non-consensual sex are super important, that does not mean that they can get away with e.g. subpar writing in my opinion. The story is told from multiple points of view, but there are too many, which makes the writing style feel very messy. I was also very confused at the beginning by the various points of view, because at that point it was not at all clear why the reader should be interested in learning more about Max’s family.
Because of all this, the book started off pretty slow and I even thought about DNF’ing it at some point. I’m happy I didn’t though because it did get a bit more interesting later on in the book.
All in all, I think this is an important book about rape and what the effects are on the victim and those around them, but the writing style and feeling of the book was a bit off. TW for rape and self-harm.
December 28, 2019
Max and Katie are best friends and room-mates but when one of his family members hurts her sexually, Kate begins to withdraw from him. Will she survive? Read on and find out for yourself.
This is the only 3 star book I am reviewing with this rating. I thought the book was good and sad but I didn't like the sex scenes or its whole focus on the rape which is what the book is about. I totally skip over these scenes because if I don't, it makes me disgusted and sick to my stomach because I do not like sex scenes in books. It also made me mad that the main character didn't defend herself against her sexual attacker when it happened and just decides to be afraid of it and doesn't go for help until later on in the book. I say if you read this book, read at your own risk cuz there is a violent sexual rape scene in it with other sex scenes and I just thought the book could've been better. Final word: Good but disappointed with the story. I hope to find some better reads later on.
This is the only 3 star book I am reviewing with this rating. I thought the book was good and sad but I didn't like the sex scenes or its whole focus on the rape which is what the book is about. I totally skip over these scenes because if I don't, it makes me disgusted and sick to my stomach because I do not like sex scenes in books. It also made me mad that the main character didn't defend herself against her sexual attacker when it happened and just decides to be afraid of it and doesn't go for help until later on in the book. I say if you read this book, read at your own risk cuz there is a violent sexual rape scene in it with other sex scenes and I just thought the book could've been better. Final word: Good but disappointed with the story. I hope to find some better reads later on.
October 28, 2019
ugh, awful. So little about the trauma and so much about the weird family
December 13, 2018
Ο ρυθμός κι η ατμόσφαιρα της ιστορίας θυμίζει έντονα το Normal People της Sally Rooney; μοντέρνα γραφή, ανάλαφρη και ταυτόχρονα αιχμηρή, σύγχρονο σκηνικό με ανθρώπινους χαρακτήρες, ενώ ως προς τη θεματική πρόκειται για εξαιρετικά τραχιά αφήγηση που αφορά το ψυχικό τραύμα και την πονεμένη μνήμη.
This copy was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review by the publisher via NetGalley.
This copy was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 10, 2019
What Red Was documents the friendship of Kate and Max - two students at university who strike up and extremely close friendship and are inseparable. But when Kate attends a gathering at Max’s stately home, she is raped upstairs by his cousin. This changed Kate who goes through complete emotional turmoil and trauma and begins to distance herself from Max, whilst never letting him know who did this to her.
The book executed sexual assault very well although I would say it could be extremely triggering for anyone who has been assaulted. It is a delicate topic but it was done very well and it was hard to read the aftermath as someone struggles to get on with their life after something so traumatic.
The book was a little slow at times and had lots of different sub plots involving members of Max’s family that I didn’t really care for and frustrated me because I wanted to go back to the main plot of Kate and Max. The main reason for rating this three stars is because of this. It was a total distraction from the main story and I wanted more. The pace was a huge issue for me too but although I was bored a couple of times, the writing style - similar to Donna Tartt’s - was what reeled me in.
Overall, a great debut tackling a very sensitive subject very well. Although I wish the book was more fast paced and involved less sub plots, I found it well written and interesting.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
The book executed sexual assault very well although I would say it could be extremely triggering for anyone who has been assaulted. It is a delicate topic but it was done very well and it was hard to read the aftermath as someone struggles to get on with their life after something so traumatic.
The book was a little slow at times and had lots of different sub plots involving members of Max’s family that I didn’t really care for and frustrated me because I wanted to go back to the main plot of Kate and Max. The main reason for rating this three stars is because of this. It was a total distraction from the main story and I wanted more. The pace was a huge issue for me too but although I was bored a couple of times, the writing style - similar to Donna Tartt’s - was what reeled me in.
Overall, a great debut tackling a very sensitive subject very well. Although I wish the book was more fast paced and involved less sub plots, I found it well written and interesting.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
October 15, 2019
This novel is very reminiscent of Normal People by Sally Rooney in that it is also very introspective. The reader is privy to everything Kate experiences emotionally, psychologically and physically as a result of being raped. Every bit of it was 100% believable. The author demonstrates the immediate effects of rape but also the effects that it can have over the course of a woman’s entire life. It’s heartbreaking and terrifying and infuriating.
The writing style is not poetic or flowery. It’s very matter of fact but I thought it worked well with this story. As did the ending, which was not tied up in a neat little bow. I was glad about that because it’s realistic. Rape isn’t something that ever goes away for the women it happens to.
Highly recommend though it is a difficult read.
The writing style is not poetic or flowery. It’s very matter of fact but I thought it worked well with this story. As did the ending, which was not tied up in a neat little bow. I was glad about that because it’s realistic. Rape isn’t something that ever goes away for the women it happens to.
Highly recommend though it is a difficult read.
July 15, 2019
This book started off so strong - but fell apart half way through because of the somewhat 2d characters and very loose plot. There were maybe too many characters and none were well rounded or drawn out properly. So where did it all go wrong?
I think the problem was that once the rape happened, and the protagonist’s despair became the driving force, the plot became a bit pointless and meandering and none of the other characters had good enough subplots going to keep the story interesting. Sometimes the author read too much into the subtext of the conversations the characters had around the topic and the outcome (everyone knows) was clumsily handled.
I fear part of the problem was structural dishonesty. Max and Kate’s relationship, as asexual as it was, just did not feel authentic. I suppose the author decided she needed to paint the rape victim as virginal so as to solicit sympathy for her when raped.
Similarly her pointless post rape boyfriend didn’t make any sense except to mark her recovery. Everyone lived in bubbles and popped up when convenient and it just didn’t feel real or well developed.
I wanted to like this so much more than I did because I’d heard such good things about it but this gave little insight into anything any of the characters lived through and just left me feeling like a weary fly on the wall.
I think the problem was that once the rape happened, and the protagonist’s despair became the driving force, the plot became a bit pointless and meandering and none of the other characters had good enough subplots going to keep the story interesting. Sometimes the author read too much into the subtext of the conversations the characters had around the topic and the outcome (everyone knows) was clumsily handled.
I fear part of the problem was structural dishonesty. Max and Kate’s relationship, as asexual as it was, just did not feel authentic. I suppose the author decided she needed to paint the rape victim as virginal so as to solicit sympathy for her when raped.
Similarly her pointless post rape boyfriend didn’t make any sense except to mark her recovery. Everyone lived in bubbles and popped up when convenient and it just didn’t feel real or well developed.
I wanted to like this so much more than I did because I’d heard such good things about it but this gave little insight into anything any of the characters lived through and just left me feeling like a weary fly on the wall.
August 10, 2019
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.75 stars
This is by far the best contemporary YA novel I have read is YEARS. This debut from Rosie Price is an absolute must read. The themes in this story are so necessary and so well portrayed. The focus of this book is trauma in many different forms. The main trauma is sexual assault and what the aftermath of the trauma does to a person, their lives, and the lives of those around them. Loss in its many forms is also a central focus.
The characters in this book have become so important to me. I saw so much of myself and my experiences in Kate. I had a friend exactly like Max when I was in University and our relationship was much the same as both of theirs from start to finish. I also suffered a very similar trauma as Kate when I was 19 and reading this book felt so cleansing and cathartic. Elias was the only thing that I hated about this book and I know that was the point but I just wanted to skip every scene he was in.
4.75 stars
This is by far the best contemporary YA novel I have read is YEARS. This debut from Rosie Price is an absolute must read. The themes in this story are so necessary and so well portrayed. The focus of this book is trauma in many different forms. The main trauma is sexual assault and what the aftermath of the trauma does to a person, their lives, and the lives of those around them. Loss in its many forms is also a central focus.
The characters in this book have become so important to me. I saw so much of myself and my experiences in Kate. I had a friend exactly like Max when I was in University and our relationship was much the same as both of theirs from start to finish. I also suffered a very similar trauma as Kate when I was 19 and reading this book felt so cleansing and cathartic. Elias was the only thing that I hated about this book and I know that was the point but I just wanted to skip every scene he was in.
August 4, 2020
When Kate meets Max in the first week of university, a life-changing friendship begins. Over the next four years, the two become inseparable. But loving Max means knowing his family: the wealthy Rippons, all generosity, social ease and quiet repression.
Theirs is not Kate’s world, and yet she finds herself drawn quickly into their gilded lives, and the secrets that lie beneath. Until one summer evening at the Rippons’ home, just after graduation, her life is shattered in a bedroom while a party goes on downstairs.
I did have high expectations for this book especially after reading the premise and some of the spectacular ratings but unfortunately for me this book did not work out.
This book deals with a very strong topic of rape and sexual abuse. The book was slow at times and I didn't quite understand the need for the constant reference to Max's family. There was very little about Kate and her relationship with Max after the incident. I felt that the focus of the main plot was lost due to all that the unwanted distraction.
Overall, I feel that the idea behind this book was great but it kind of lacked in execution.
Thank You to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for this ARC!!
Theirs is not Kate’s world, and yet she finds herself drawn quickly into their gilded lives, and the secrets that lie beneath. Until one summer evening at the Rippons’ home, just after graduation, her life is shattered in a bedroom while a party goes on downstairs.
I did have high expectations for this book especially after reading the premise and some of the spectacular ratings but unfortunately for me this book did not work out.
This book deals with a very strong topic of rape and sexual abuse. The book was slow at times and I didn't quite understand the need for the constant reference to Max's family. There was very little about Kate and her relationship with Max after the incident. I felt that the focus of the main plot was lost due to all that the unwanted distraction.
Overall, I feel that the idea behind this book was great but it kind of lacked in execution.
Thank You to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for this ARC!!
May 8, 2019
Life is tentative, predatory.
Absent genetics,
a mother owes her child absolutely nothing,
the daughter owes her mother not one glance backward.
Thus indulged, thus is reality:
A manufactured state ("mid-life crisis"),
created for and by men,
with a mind towards,
screwing every young woman in sight.
#poems
Absent genetics,
a mother owes her child absolutely nothing,
the daughter owes her mother not one glance backward.
Thus indulged, thus is reality:
A manufactured state ("mid-life crisis"),
created for and by men,
with a mind towards,
screwing every young woman in sight.
#poems
June 12, 2019
Inauguro aqui a classificação abaixo das 3 estrelas. Uma coisa cheia de coisa nenhuma. Trabalho, a quanto obrigas...
December 22, 2020
6 de 10*
“Memória de uma Cor” aborda um tema bastante actual, infelizmente. Uma jovem mulher é violada pelo primo do melhor amigo, mas, para ele, ela consentiu e não passou de uma relação entre duas pessoas, sem se aperceber do quanto isso a afectou e afecta nos anos subsequentes.
Face a este tema, o livro teria tudo para ser interessante e bom. Infelizmente, na minha opinião, tal não aconteceu. Não me conectei com a escrita de Rosie Price, não consegui sentir um fio condutor em toda a história, não entendi determinadas reacções.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
“Memória de uma Cor” aborda um tema bastante actual, infelizmente. Uma jovem mulher é violada pelo primo do melhor amigo, mas, para ele, ela consentiu e não passou de uma relação entre duas pessoas, sem se aperceber do quanto isso a afectou e afecta nos anos subsequentes.
Face a este tema, o livro teria tudo para ser interessante e bom. Infelizmente, na minha opinião, tal não aconteceu. Não me conectei com a escrita de Rosie Price, não consegui sentir um fio condutor em toda a história, não entendi determinadas reacções.
Comentário completo em:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
October 14, 2023
2.5 stars
June 19, 2019
This was the most difficult book I've read this year. But in the end, the payoff far exceeded the pain. It's been three months since I finished it, and I still can't put my thoughts into words that will do this masterpiece justice. But I'll try.
My main issue with literary fiction is that I often find authors spend so much time showing you how ~intellectual~ they are, that they forget to make you feel something. This made me feel a lot. Where to start with the trigger warnings... Rape, PTSD, depression, anxiety, disassociation, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disordered eating... Let's just say, if you're easily triggered, don't put yourself through this. About 50 pages in, I had to put it down for a month before I was in the right headspace to delve deeper. What Red Was is raw and visceral and ugly. You read about a string of miserable incidents and encounters, which are never quite balanced out by the moments of hope in between. But the characters leap off the page and surroud you as you read. The writing fluctuates between being almost lyrical, and being stark and desolate. As a result, it never glamourises the painful issues it deals with. It isn't pretty when someone carves themselves up with a kitchen knife. And the writing doesn't pretend it is.
There are so many more things I want to say about this book, and maybe one day I will. For now, I will say: What Red Was will most likely leave you feeling utterly hopeless, and you may wander around as a shell of a human being for a few days after closing that back cover. But if you only read one book I recommend this year, let it be this one.
My main issue with literary fiction is that I often find authors spend so much time showing you how ~intellectual~ they are, that they forget to make you feel something. This made me feel a lot. Where to start with the trigger warnings... Rape, PTSD, depression, anxiety, disassociation, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disordered eating... Let's just say, if you're easily triggered, don't put yourself through this. About 50 pages in, I had to put it down for a month before I was in the right headspace to delve deeper. What Red Was is raw and visceral and ugly. You read about a string of miserable incidents and encounters, which are never quite balanced out by the moments of hope in between. But the characters leap off the page and surroud you as you read. The writing fluctuates between being almost lyrical, and being stark and desolate. As a result, it never glamourises the painful issues it deals with. It isn't pretty when someone carves themselves up with a kitchen knife. And the writing doesn't pretend it is.
There are so many more things I want to say about this book, and maybe one day I will. For now, I will say: What Red Was will most likely leave you feeling utterly hopeless, and you may wander around as a shell of a human being for a few days after closing that back cover. But if you only read one book I recommend this year, let it be this one.
Read
August 20, 2019It’s hard to review a book that handles the trauma of rape, both the act and it’s aftermath. I think this book is done very well, and although it has a few structural issues, there is an undeniable power within the intent and the quality of the author’s approach.
If I had one note, I would say that I wish the novel had been told only from Kate and Max’s point of view. Other perspectives are offered from various side characters throughout the novel, and I don’t think this added to the purpose of the book; in fact, it is was a detrimental distraction.
What Red Was is raw and unapologetic. It is not a pleasant story, but is one that needs to be told, and one that deserves to be read.
If I had one note, I would say that I wish the novel had been told only from Kate and Max’s point of view. Other perspectives are offered from various side characters throughout the novel, and I don’t think this added to the purpose of the book; in fact, it is was a detrimental distraction.
What Red Was is raw and unapologetic. It is not a pleasant story, but is one that needs to be told, and one that deserves to be read.
April 13, 2019
Searing, relevant and beautifully judged. There is so much here to admire I hardly know where to start. The characters are so impeccably drawn it feels like I've been eavesdropping on them rather than reading about them. Everything here feels authentic. The relationships, dialogue, internal landscapes are all incredibly astute. Rosie Price displays so much insight into what makes people tick I can only assume she has somehow lived all of these lives herself. As a reading experience, What Red Was sits at the junction between One Day and #MeToo. By making us fall in love with her funny, flawed and sometimes infuriating people, Ms Price ensures we are too committed to everyone involved to look away from the trauma unfolding before us. A harrowing, cathartic and read.
With thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to see an advance copy of What Red Was.
With thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to see an advance copy of What Red Was.
October 18, 2019
I struggled through this book. I wasn't a fan of the writing style to be honest. It wasn't as engaging as I hoped it would be. I think perhaps writing in the first person from Kate's point of view would have helped. Or even alternating chapters with different characters. The style was a little stand offish, in my opinion, for the subject matter.
That being said, I do think this story had potential. I definitely think we need more reading material on this subject that shows the different ways it can affect people and how to cope. I like that the idea of therapy was tossed out very casually and without stigma.
I wish we had gotten a little more closure on the relationship between Kate and Max. I'd like to think they were able to find their way back to being best friends in the end.
That being said, I do think this story had potential. I definitely think we need more reading material on this subject that shows the different ways it can affect people and how to cope. I like that the idea of therapy was tossed out very casually and without stigma.
I wish we had gotten a little more closure on the relationship between Kate and Max. I'd like to think they were able to find their way back to being best friends in the end.
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