The Surface Breaks

by Louise O'Neill

[Djilan]

I'm glad I finished it, because now I gave it a higher score than I thought I would when I was halfway.
The story in itself is okay and the ending I actually really liked.

What made it 'only' 3 stars and not 4 for me was the fact that the resentment towards men was way too thickly layered over the story. At times it even felt the author must really hate men, all men! I had that feeling already after reading only the first two chapters. The focus was, for me, too much on the suppression of women and how cruel men in general are. I'm fine with it being an important part of the story, but the focus was on it so much that at times it irritated me.

If there wasn't a nice guy like George in it the score would have been lower as well. Because up until him I had the impression that there were absolutely no nice guys at all. Only less violent ones.. And even though I'm sure a lot of men place certain role upon women and want to feel more important and powerful, I absolutely don't think all men want to control us or think they are better than us.

So, I'm not saying it was a bad story. Then I wouldn't have finished it. But for me it was a bit too sour for my liking.

The thing is, I realize it's actually only 3 total dicks and the few other men were not great but not bad either. And George was a real good guy. But the way it is written you think all of them are bad.

And, as a sidenote. I don't think the cover is very fitting to the story. I expected a bit of a cheerier retelling..