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A review by ddnreads
The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette's by Hanna Alkaf
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I just finish this book a while ago and OMG there are so many things I want to share.
First, the characters' complexity. I LOVE HOW Kak Hanna addressed the issues because THE THINGS HAPPENED TO THEM HAPPENED TO A LOT OF YOUNG GIRLS.
- Rachel. The have to be miss perfect. Who crumbled under her mother's pressure. I NEED TO HUG THIS GIRL:( hate how it's true this kind of girl is the most vulnerable to be in predator's den.
- Khad.... The mother-daughter relationship is sending me to a rollercoaster ride. How young teenager girl often has to pay with their bodies or even their lives is hurting. You're understood and loved, Khad. I love how even in her lowest condition, Khadijah is a fighter.
- AND FLO AND SUMI DESERVED ALL THE BEST THINGS IN THE WORLD. Their friendship is the best of all 😭♥️
- Oh and how the headmistress prioritizing the school's reputation over literally everything else? Disappointed but not surprise. Hard pill to swallow. It just reflected the reality how bad our education system actually is.
Second, the issues. I love how Kak Hana made it uncomfortable to read but handled sooo delicately. Surely, it didn't exploitative and the points came across quite well.
Third, the writing. It feels so atmospheric. It gave me goosebumps. It's uneasy (as it should).
Forth, the mystery, the pace, the clues. If you love or an avid reader of CTM, this book might not amaze you as much. Thing is the ending is either a hit or a miss. For me, St. Bernadette's is just so so. The first half was very intriguing. The second half could be faster and I'd love to have the ending and the explanation, the dots connecting to be more elaborated. It felt rushed in the end. But I personally still enjoy it. It's the journey that counts.
Last, the horror. I love horror stories. Urban legends. Mass Hysterical at all girl school. I can see it clearly happening. It felt so close to home. And I love how in the end it remains as a mystery.
Give this book ago. Thanks so much Kak Hana for the arc in exchange of honest reviews. I love it.
First, the characters' complexity. I LOVE HOW Kak Hanna addressed the issues because THE THINGS HAPPENED TO THEM HAPPENED TO A LOT OF YOUNG GIRLS.
- Rachel. The have to be miss perfect. Who crumbled under her mother's pressure. I NEED TO HUG THIS GIRL:( hate how it's true this kind of girl is the most vulnerable to be in predator's den.
- Khad.... The mother-daughter relationship is sending me to a rollercoaster ride. How young teenager girl often has to pay with their bodies or even their lives is hurting. You're understood and loved, Khad. I love how even in her lowest condition, Khadijah is a fighter.
- AND FLO AND SUMI DESERVED ALL THE BEST THINGS IN THE WORLD. Their friendship is the best of all 😭♥️
- Oh and how the headmistress prioritizing the school's reputation over literally everything else? Disappointed but not surprise. Hard pill to swallow. It just reflected the reality how bad our education system actually is.
Second, the issues. I love how Kak Hana made it uncomfortable to read but handled sooo delicately. Surely, it didn't exploitative and the points came across quite well.
Third, the writing. It feels so atmospheric. It gave me goosebumps. It's uneasy (as it should).
Forth, the mystery, the pace, the clues. If you love or an avid reader of CTM, this book might not amaze you as much. Thing is the ending is either a hit or a miss. For me, St. Bernadette's is just so so. The first half was very intriguing. The second half could be faster and I'd love to have the ending and the explanation, the dots connecting to be more elaborated. It felt rushed in the end. But I personally still enjoy it. It's the journey that counts.
Last, the horror. I love horror stories. Urban legends. Mass Hysterical at all girl school. I can see it clearly happening. It felt so close to home. And I love how in the end it remains as a mystery.
Give this book ago. Thanks so much Kak Hana for the arc in exchange of honest reviews. I love it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment