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Bodies: The 'It Girl' Book of the Year
You were everything I ever wanted. Johnny was my first. I was seventeen and I was only brave enough to talk to him after I'd had three vodkas. He was only brave enough to kiss me when no-one else was around. Dave was different. We didn't go out or see friends. We were each other's world. Dave was all I needed. We were toxic before it became fashionable. Kyle was my best friend. And that was the problem. Or at least that's what he said was the problem. Because friends can hook up but they can't date.Adam was meant to be some harmless fun. I met him in a hotel and he was wearing an Adidas tracksuit. Casual but cute. He was anything but harmless.
And then I met You. And things went from bad to worse.
And then I met You. And things went from bad to worse.
208 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
January 19, 2024
“ Johnny Casey was the first, he was tall and handsome, I was young and brave enough, after getting three vodkas inside me, to go and talk to him. At 17, I was on the outskirts looking in at all the cool people, including Johnny’s brother Lar, a gorgeous and dangerous obsession. A bit later, there was Dave, we met at college and we were toxic. We were never alone, someone always interfered, my friends hated him and vice versa, but strangely, I felt safe with him. Then there was Kyle and he broke me, but ultimately I was the one that broke him. One thing was for sure, in that household, things were very messed up and complicated. Next came Adam from the North, casual in his Adidas tracksuit, he seemed cute but that was my mistake. Finally, there’s You and I adored you, but things just went from bad to worse.”
This powerful debut novel set in Dublin and narrated in the first person by Charlotte Murphy, is one of those reads that leaves you somewhat “gobsmacked”. I think this is one that I’ll continue to reel from a few days or more from now. Her reflections, her memories, the encounters, relationships, and her friendships are dark and gets darker and darker. When we first meet her as an older teenager, it seems at this point to be all about games and gameplaying, There’s drink, there’s drugs, there are obsessions, there’s gaslighting, and the writing captures those times to perfection. You have no idea of what is to come and that’s probably a good thing. From the start though, you realise just how perceptive Charlotte is, especially her insights into bodies and control. It becomes increasingly raw, honest and devastating. She’s at times vulnerable, at others you feel and empathise with her uncertainty, she loves and she loses and at times, feels shame. It becomes apparent that Charlotte is very damaged and flawed but the question is what makes her that way? The men who treat her badly or is it something else? That keeps me immersed in the storyline.
The novel is so well written that the author makes me feel as if I’m living this life through Charlotte which is a bit uncomfortable, but it’s undoubtedly clever and powerful writing. As the storyline and the men drift through her life and it reaches the climax of the story I don’t think I’m prepared for what’s to come. It absolutely socks you between the eyes and shocks you to the core as it’s not in the least bit what I expect. However, on reflection, you realise that once you know the situation and about Charlotte‘s past that after the disasters and the tragedies, things are only going to go one way.
Overall, this is a very different and well written novel and it might be a marmite book. I’m not entirely convinced I love it but what I can say with certainty is that it’s gripping, at times it’s extremely tense, almost to the hold your breath stage, the ending is incredible and it’s one heck of a read.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to John Murray Press for granting my wish to read this book in return for an honest review.
This powerful debut novel set in Dublin and narrated in the first person by Charlotte Murphy, is one of those reads that leaves you somewhat “gobsmacked”. I think this is one that I’ll continue to reel from a few days or more from now. Her reflections, her memories, the encounters, relationships, and her friendships are dark and gets darker and darker. When we first meet her as an older teenager, it seems at this point to be all about games and gameplaying, There’s drink, there’s drugs, there are obsessions, there’s gaslighting, and the writing captures those times to perfection. You have no idea of what is to come and that’s probably a good thing. From the start though, you realise just how perceptive Charlotte is, especially her insights into bodies and control. It becomes increasingly raw, honest and devastating. She’s at times vulnerable, at others you feel and empathise with her uncertainty, she loves and she loses and at times, feels shame. It becomes apparent that Charlotte is very damaged and flawed but the question is what makes her that way? The men who treat her badly or is it something else? That keeps me immersed in the storyline.
The novel is so well written that the author makes me feel as if I’m living this life through Charlotte which is a bit uncomfortable, but it’s undoubtedly clever and powerful writing. As the storyline and the men drift through her life and it reaches the climax of the story I don’t think I’m prepared for what’s to come. It absolutely socks you between the eyes and shocks you to the core as it’s not in the least bit what I expect. However, on reflection, you realise that once you know the situation and about Charlotte‘s past that after the disasters and the tragedies, things are only going to go one way.
Overall, this is a very different and well written novel and it might be a marmite book. I’m not entirely convinced I love it but what I can say with certainty is that it’s gripping, at times it’s extremely tense, almost to the hold your breath stage, the ending is incredible and it’s one heck of a read.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to John Murray Press for granting my wish to read this book in return for an honest review.
July 25, 2024
Originally I was thinking maybe a 4.5 but because of my personal enjoyment it has to be a 5🌟 read for me. This is about women’s universal experience of fear and the feeling of being in a constant fight with society turned into pure anger and revenge. This novel couldn’t have been published at a better time especially now that violence against women in the U.K. has reached an all-time high. Labelled a national emergency as 2 million women per year are estimated to be victims of violence perpetrated by men (not including figures of women who haven’t come forward). I don’t want to spoil the plot of this book, but what I will say is that the prose is thrilling and progressively gets darker. Each chapter being dedicated to a man in Charlotte’s, our narrator’s, life that has wronged her was captivatingly raw and at times it felt like you were in her shoes! This was a great debut novel and I can’t wait to see what Christine Anne Foley writes next.
May 30, 2024
Bodies by Christine Anne Foley felt like reading every early twenty-something girl's diary. The way the character centers their life around men and seek their validation was depicted with such raw honesty and familiarity that it was deeply relatable. Foley captures the internal struggles, the search for identity, and the emotional turbulence of young women navigating relationships and self-worth. Despite its brevity, the book resonated powerfully, offering a poignant reflection on how societal expectations shape our desires and actions. This short book truly packed a punch, leaving a lasting impression on me.
June 22, 2024
I’m having a bad run of books this month and really hoped Bodies, the debut novel from Irish writer Christine Anne Foley, would break the cycle. While I got through it quickly, it didn’t really work for me though I did appreciate elements of it.
Our narrator Charlotte is a young, troubled woman leaning heavily on the self-destruct button. She’s getting wasted on drink and drugs, attempting to straddle life back in her hometown in Kilkenny with her new life in Trinity. The story takes us through the men in her life, all of whom have treated Charlotte badly, as she unravels.
The book is unflinching in its portrayal of male violence and drink and drug culture, and deals with triggering themes like coercive control, suicide, narcissism and self esteem issues. It’s a lot. Think of it as being like Rosemary McCabe’s memoir (which I loved) but without the humour, the reflection, the empathy. This is provocative stuff but it’s a sledgehammer approach, it lacks subtlety. It was probably also too similar in themes to Exile by Aimee Walsh which I read earlier in this month, so I had some genre fatigue.
While it’s pretty compelling and there’s a clever plot device used, there were many sentences at which I winced. “I felt like I kept the paranoia to myself, kept the questions burning like acid in my throat, like the heartburn of a pregnant woman”, and “There was a hole there for sure, a hole that was massive and gaping. A gaping, holey soul; what a thing.”
There were also a few errors that should have been picked up at editing stage, notably the age difference between Charlotte and her sister Saoirse, mentioned as four years and later six years.
I think will appeal to a younger readership (under 25s). Many thanks to @johnmurrays and @hachetteireland the advance gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Our narrator Charlotte is a young, troubled woman leaning heavily on the self-destruct button. She’s getting wasted on drink and drugs, attempting to straddle life back in her hometown in Kilkenny with her new life in Trinity. The story takes us through the men in her life, all of whom have treated Charlotte badly, as she unravels.
The book is unflinching in its portrayal of male violence and drink and drug culture, and deals with triggering themes like coercive control, suicide, narcissism and self esteem issues. It’s a lot. Think of it as being like Rosemary McCabe’s memoir (which I loved) but without the humour, the reflection, the empathy. This is provocative stuff but it’s a sledgehammer approach, it lacks subtlety. It was probably also too similar in themes to Exile by Aimee Walsh which I read earlier in this month, so I had some genre fatigue.
While it’s pretty compelling and there’s a clever plot device used, there were many sentences at which I winced. “I felt like I kept the paranoia to myself, kept the questions burning like acid in my throat, like the heartburn of a pregnant woman”, and “There was a hole there for sure, a hole that was massive and gaping. A gaping, holey soul; what a thing.”
There were also a few errors that should have been picked up at editing stage, notably the age difference between Charlotte and her sister Saoirse, mentioned as four years and later six years.
I think will appeal to a younger readership (under 25s). Many thanks to @johnmurrays and @hachetteireland the advance gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2025
One of the most unique books I've ever read! Didn't really jam with the writing style, and the word 'and' was used far too many times, to the point that I was reading sentences in my head without taking breaths. But, the premise was good and it really got me thinking!
July 28, 2025
honestly i feel a bit underwhelmed by this. it has great potential, i just think it needed to be longer to really expand and explore the story a bit more.
November 24, 2024
women are so magnificent 👀💕 I loved it
Read
April 28, 2024Did I devour this book or did it devour me?
I’ve read my fair share of ‘I support women’s rights and wrongs’ literature and this takes the cake without a doubt.
Going to keep this review as vague as possible because I truly believe that the less you know going in, the better. I went in relatively blind - the synopsis doesn’t really give much of the plot away, but I’m so glad I did. Genuinely one of the most hypnotic books I’ve ever read; I knew from the first few pages that it was going to consume me rather than the reverse - suffocating and claustrophobic and wholly immersive. There are some very heavy triggers, so please be gentle with yourself if you do pick it up, but the PROSE!!! So entirely captivating that I couldn’t look away despite the darkness; I love a good stream-of-consciousness that also feels like a wine-fuelled dusk-’til-dawn conversation with a friend.
Charlotte was a masterfully crafted character; traversing between past and present through her lens, the reader is taken on a visceral journey exploring the accumulation of trauma in various forms - some unfortunately common for women especially, others more a rarity - and how it affects a person’s development and relationships. A multitude of heavy themes and experiences broached; control, coercion and humiliation to name a few, but they were handled in an understated and nuanced way, leading to a perfect conclusion.
The men… my goodness, the men. The less I say, the better; I’m sure a lot of people will get war flashbacks to varying degrees with them (was Kyle for me), and Charlotte’s reclamation of her sexuality and autonomy, by any means necessary, was a breath of fresh air.
My only qualm is that I would’ve LOVED to see more at the end but that’s just me being greedy, I do think that concluding where it did was an iconic power play.
Thank you John Murray for the ARC in exchange for an honest review !
I’ve read my fair share of ‘I support women’s rights and wrongs’ literature and this takes the cake without a doubt.
Going to keep this review as vague as possible because I truly believe that the less you know going in, the better. I went in relatively blind - the synopsis doesn’t really give much of the plot away, but I’m so glad I did. Genuinely one of the most hypnotic books I’ve ever read; I knew from the first few pages that it was going to consume me rather than the reverse - suffocating and claustrophobic and wholly immersive. There are some very heavy triggers, so please be gentle with yourself if you do pick it up, but the PROSE!!! So entirely captivating that I couldn’t look away despite the darkness; I love a good stream-of-consciousness that also feels like a wine-fuelled dusk-’til-dawn conversation with a friend.
Charlotte was a masterfully crafted character; traversing between past and present through her lens, the reader is taken on a visceral journey exploring the accumulation of trauma in various forms - some unfortunately common for women especially, others more a rarity - and how it affects a person’s development and relationships. A multitude of heavy themes and experiences broached; control, coercion and humiliation to name a few, but they were handled in an understated and nuanced way, leading to a perfect conclusion.
The men… my goodness, the men. The less I say, the better; I’m sure a lot of people will get war flashbacks to varying degrees with them (was Kyle for me), and Charlotte’s reclamation of her sexuality and autonomy, by any means necessary, was a breath of fresh air.
My only qualm is that I would’ve LOVED to see more at the end but that’s just me being greedy, I do think that concluding where it did was an iconic power play.
Thank you John Murray for the ARC in exchange for an honest review !
June 9, 2024
men are trash <3 (and sometimes so are women??? but they’re cooler trash)
Huge thank you to John Murray Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
cw// rape, sexual assault, death, sexual content, suicide
Huge thank you to John Murray Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
cw// rape, sexual assault, death, sexual content, suicide
March 23, 2024
this book is unlike anything i've ever read!! it's dark and twisted but it's also relatable and real.
(please check trigger warnings!!)
(please check trigger warnings!!)
October 31, 2024
Dark, exquisite, original. 8/10⭐️
The writing was great. It’s a remarkable story for a debut novel.
The writing was great. It’s a remarkable story for a debut novel.
March 31, 2025
pohhhhh jeetje, ik vond het heel goed en leuk geschreven maar wat een verhaal. ik ben gewoon niet een grimmige meid, dus voor mij was dit wel al weer heftig. heel leuk om al die cafe’s en plekken wat ze beschrijft gewoon te kennen in dublin. slay boek voor als je ff in je mannenhaat era zit.
April 11, 2024
Bodies is Foley’s debut novel and is due for publication in July this year. Here’s my advice: pre-order a copy immediately because it’s sure to fly off the shelves.
Charlotte, our protagonist, tells her story through a stream-of-consciousness style that weaves back and forth in a rather fragmented way, which works exceptionally well in building an unflinchingly gripping and thought-provoking read.
Charlotte focuses on the relationships she has had with men - and what toxic lot they were. However, we get glimpses of her childhood and a traumatic event that changed her life forever, significantly impacting her psychological well-being. Flawed Charlotte may be, but she demonstrates incredible insight and perception.
Essentially, the book is a hate letter to a particular type of man, driven by Charlotte’s rage and grief. It also addresses broader societal issues around bodily autonomy, promiscuity, and rape culture.
Unfortunately, the situations Charlotte faces will be uncomfortably familiar to many women, but they must be talked about. I’ll undoubtedly be thinking on her story for a long while to come.
Bodies is a darkly raw yet astute and highly compelling read that’ll keep you hooked from beginning to end, and at around 200 pages, it’ll be one you’ll want to devour in one sitting.
My one tiny criticism is that the story ended a little abruptly; I’d have liked a slightly longer read with more delving into the plot twist, about which I’ll say no more! 4.5⭐️
Thank you to John Murray Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy. As always, this is an honest review.
Charlotte, our protagonist, tells her story through a stream-of-consciousness style that weaves back and forth in a rather fragmented way, which works exceptionally well in building an unflinchingly gripping and thought-provoking read.
Charlotte focuses on the relationships she has had with men - and what toxic lot they were. However, we get glimpses of her childhood and a traumatic event that changed her life forever, significantly impacting her psychological well-being. Flawed Charlotte may be, but she demonstrates incredible insight and perception.
Essentially, the book is a hate letter to a particular type of man, driven by Charlotte’s rage and grief. It also addresses broader societal issues around bodily autonomy, promiscuity, and rape culture.
Unfortunately, the situations Charlotte faces will be uncomfortably familiar to many women, but they must be talked about. I’ll undoubtedly be thinking on her story for a long while to come.
Bodies is a darkly raw yet astute and highly compelling read that’ll keep you hooked from beginning to end, and at around 200 pages, it’ll be one you’ll want to devour in one sitting.
My one tiny criticism is that the story ended a little abruptly; I’d have liked a slightly longer read with more delving into the plot twist, about which I’ll say no more! 4.5⭐️
Thank you to John Murray Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy. As always, this is an honest review.
June 6, 2024
this is a tricky one to rate in that you can’t convince me the first few chapters are written by the same person that wrote the last few. the growth in writing ability displayed within these pages is insane.
so, with that being said, if you are reading the first few pages and thinking to yourself “jesus christ, i don’t think i can hack this out” fear not for i was in the same boat but i promise you the latter half of this is worth it.
“[Becoming a woman is raw] and it’s vulgar.
It’s inhabiting a body that has disowned you.
It’s people looking at you and expecting things from you.
It’s learning, not how to bleed once a month, but how not to bleed every single day. Bleed from your heart into your soul because it all hurts. It all moves and writhes and turns inside you. And I needed her, I needed my sister.”
this book is as vulnerable as it is depressive. the characters are real in their messiness. our main character, charlotte, has her wounds on full display as she acts only out of her self hatred. she is a person you want to root for and yet she is so haunted by her past, by the things and people that have hurt her, that she cannot help but sabotage her future.
so a 2 star beginning and a really strong 4 star (possibly higher?) end. i am going to land on an average rating of a 3 star for now, but this one will definitely be on my mind for a while.
so, with that being said, if you are reading the first few pages and thinking to yourself “jesus christ, i don’t think i can hack this out” fear not for i was in the same boat but i promise you the latter half of this is worth it.
“[Becoming a woman is raw] and it’s vulgar.
It’s inhabiting a body that has disowned you.
It’s people looking at you and expecting things from you.
It’s learning, not how to bleed once a month, but how not to bleed every single day. Bleed from your heart into your soul because it all hurts. It all moves and writhes and turns inside you. And I needed her, I needed my sister.”
this book is as vulnerable as it is depressive. the characters are real in their messiness. our main character, charlotte, has her wounds on full display as she acts only out of her self hatred. she is a person you want to root for and yet she is so haunted by her past, by the things and people that have hurt her, that she cannot help but sabotage her future.
so a 2 star beginning and a really strong 4 star (possibly higher?) end. i am going to land on an average rating of a 3 star for now, but this one will definitely be on my mind for a while.
July 12, 2025
Un libro che mi ha coinvolta da subito: il ritmo è scorrevole, il tono acuto, ed è interessante come Foley riesca a dare corpo a una protagonista così complessa in ambienti dal sapore quotidiano. Con degli intriganti salti temporali nella sua storia, Charlotte cerca se stessa nei corpi e nei volti degli uomini che incontra, in un percorso sensuale, tortuoso, ossessivo. Ci sono relazioni tossiche, attimi di intimità disturbante, una tensione erotica che è insieme dipendenza e rivendicazione di sé. Ogni partner passa, ma resta una ferita, un segno che si somma alla voce narrante, rendendola tanto vittima quanto carnefice . Il finale è il punto forte del romanzo: si sente crescere nelle pagine, e piano piano si intuisce, eppure quando arriva il punto focale ha un peso.
Una lettura fresca, atmosferica, e perfino feroce in alcuni momenti. Se cercate una narrazione intensa, un finale che risuona e uno sguardo senza remore sul desiderio femminile, Bodies vale davvero la pena.
Una lettura fresca, atmosferica, e perfino feroce in alcuni momenti. Se cercate una narrazione intensa, un finale che risuona e uno sguardo senza remore sul desiderio femminile, Bodies vale davvero la pena.
June 13, 2024
I definitely liked the idea of this more than I liked the execution. There's some really interesting passages on sex and desire, and you can literally see the development in Foley's writing as it goes on, the final third blowing the first third out of the water. But despite the interesting concepts, there is so much here that just comes across slightly cliched or hackneyed. I can see this doing really well, regardless, but I can't help bemoan what could have been such a promising project.
October 5, 2025
Hm! Didn’t expect to feel this much! I think I enjoyed it. Also, I appreciate the style effect of starting many sentences with “and” but it did annoy me after a while. That’s the only reason it’s not 5 stars tbh
May 19, 2024
oh christine you devoured with this one ! (literally)
September 3, 2024
Completely and utterly unhinged.
So dark, so fantastic.
So dark, so fantastic.
December 25, 2025
I love women's rage.
January 5, 2024
WOW is all I can comprehend right now.
4.5 stars! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for granting my wish and providing me with an ARC to review!
I devoured this in one sitting. That opening hit me like a brick, what writing!!!!!!!!
I loved this. The opening is written so well and hits you because just damn. What a way to write the feeling is being just used and comparing yourself to other women.
This also took a turn I DID NOT EXPECT and I'm totally here for it!
4.5 stars! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for granting my wish and providing me with an ARC to review!
I devoured this in one sitting. That opening hit me like a brick, what writing!!!!!!!!
I loved this. The opening is written so well and hits you because just damn. What a way to write the feeling is being just used and comparing yourself to other women.
This also took a turn I DID NOT EXPECT and I'm totally here for it!
April 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
This poignant novel offers a vivid depiction of Ireland's cultural landscape, tracing the journey of a teenage girl transitioning into womanhood amidst the chaos of her surroundings. Delving into themes of sexuality, relationships, and drug experimentation, the narrative exposes the harsh realities of how women are often mistreated within the backdrop of Ireland's prevalent drug and "lad" culture.
The author skillfully captures the protagonist's inner turmoil through a stream of consciousness narrative style, immersing readers in her tumultuous thoughts and emotions. While this approach effectively enhances the authenticity of the story, it occasionally contributes to a sense of chaos that may challenge readers to keep pace.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its unflinching exploration of the stigma and shame surrounding female promiscuity and sexual agency. Through the protagonist's experiences, the narrative sheds light on the societal pressures and double standards faced by women in navigating their own desires.
Despite its dark and triggering nature, the novel's conclusion is both poignant and expected, offering a fitting resolution to the protagonist's journey. However, the inclusion of an epilogue leaves room for interpretation, prompting readers to ponder its significance and whether it adds depth to the narrative or detracts from its impact.
Overall, this raw and compelling portrayal of Irish culture offers a thought-provoking commentary on the challenges faced by young women in a society grappling with issues of identity, sexuality, and societal expectations.
This poignant novel offers a vivid depiction of Ireland's cultural landscape, tracing the journey of a teenage girl transitioning into womanhood amidst the chaos of her surroundings. Delving into themes of sexuality, relationships, and drug experimentation, the narrative exposes the harsh realities of how women are often mistreated within the backdrop of Ireland's prevalent drug and "lad" culture.
The author skillfully captures the protagonist's inner turmoil through a stream of consciousness narrative style, immersing readers in her tumultuous thoughts and emotions. While this approach effectively enhances the authenticity of the story, it occasionally contributes to a sense of chaos that may challenge readers to keep pace.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its unflinching exploration of the stigma and shame surrounding female promiscuity and sexual agency. Through the protagonist's experiences, the narrative sheds light on the societal pressures and double standards faced by women in navigating their own desires.
Despite its dark and triggering nature, the novel's conclusion is both poignant and expected, offering a fitting resolution to the protagonist's journey. However, the inclusion of an epilogue leaves room for interpretation, prompting readers to ponder its significance and whether it adds depth to the narrative or detracts from its impact.
Overall, this raw and compelling portrayal of Irish culture offers a thought-provoking commentary on the challenges faced by young women in a society grappling with issues of identity, sexuality, and societal expectations.
March 3, 2024
Trigger warning : suicide
Just unrelentingly dark. Not insightful or illuminating or constructive in its telling. Grim.
Just unrelentingly dark. Not insightful or illuminating or constructive in its telling. Grim.
August 13, 2024
Promising young Irish woman
June 17, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Thank you John Murray Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this upcoming debut novel!
Set in Dublin, Bodies is a unique and dark debut, which I would be inclined to label a thriller, or a hate manifesto against men who hurt women. This book has an interesting concept and important message, with the protagonist, Charlotte, recounting all of her past relationships with (often toxic and abusive) men. Starting at the beginning of the book as a teenager whose life is dictated by the attention of men, Charlotte gradually understands how to take control, sometimes in very destructive and cruel ways. I also have to agree with other reviews mentioning that the writing is much better in the second half, but I wondered whether this was part of the character development of Charlotte: as she takes control of her narrative, the writing becomes more refined and precise. Sadly, Bodies loses some stars because I wasn't really able to connect with Charlotte, potentially because she only existed as a character when her men were "in the room." I didn't feel like I truly knew her. Despite this, I recommend this book to anyone who is intrigued by the blurb and I am looking forward to reading more by the author.
You'll like this if you liked: Boy Parts by Eliza Clark; Exile by Aimeé Walsh.
Thank you John Murray Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this upcoming debut novel!
Set in Dublin, Bodies is a unique and dark debut, which I would be inclined to label a thriller, or a hate manifesto against men who hurt women. This book has an interesting concept and important message, with the protagonist, Charlotte, recounting all of her past relationships with (often toxic and abusive) men. Starting at the beginning of the book as a teenager whose life is dictated by the attention of men, Charlotte gradually understands how to take control, sometimes in very destructive and cruel ways. I also have to agree with other reviews mentioning that the writing is much better in the second half, but I wondered whether this was part of the character development of Charlotte: as she takes control of her narrative, the writing becomes more refined and precise. Sadly, Bodies loses some stars because I wasn't really able to connect with Charlotte, potentially because she only existed as a character when her men were "in the room." I didn't feel like I truly knew her. Despite this, I recommend this book to anyone who is intrigued by the blurb and I am looking forward to reading more by the author.
You'll like this if you liked: Boy Parts by Eliza Clark; Exile by Aimeé Walsh.
August 13, 2024
Bodies / Christine Anne Foley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ I did not repent nor ask for forgiveness. You cannot ask for forgiveness when you are not sorry and I was not… ~
Right, so as soon as I finished this book. I put it down, and I chose not to review straight away. I had to sit and think, and sleep on, what I just read.
First off it’s great to read a local author. I may be a blow in to Graig but I found my favourite new reading book overlooking Duiske Abbey while reading this between DIY.
This book though…CHARLOTTE. Just, wow. This book was dark. Following Char’s relationships from when she was a teenager - there is coercion, toxicity, fragility, gaslighting, you name it it’s in here. It’s quite jarring, at some points I had to put it down and just reflect on what I read.
It’s hard to say I enjoyed this, I couldn’t put it down. The ending I read twice over and said clever, could kinda see it, but still just…I don’t know how to out it without spoiling.
As the blurb says, You were the worst.
The interpolation of Saoirse throughout had tender moments, before life careened in so many ways.
But the world is scary.
Picked up from the TBR Pile - Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny.
Bought from @dubraybooks, Waterford - 22/07/24
Read: 01/08/24 - 07/08/24
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ I did not repent nor ask for forgiveness. You cannot ask for forgiveness when you are not sorry and I was not… ~
Right, so as soon as I finished this book. I put it down, and I chose not to review straight away. I had to sit and think, and sleep on, what I just read.
First off it’s great to read a local author. I may be a blow in to Graig but I found my favourite new reading book overlooking Duiske Abbey while reading this between DIY.
This book though…CHARLOTTE. Just, wow. This book was dark. Following Char’s relationships from when she was a teenager - there is coercion, toxicity, fragility, gaslighting, you name it it’s in here. It’s quite jarring, at some points I had to put it down and just reflect on what I read.
It’s hard to say I enjoyed this, I couldn’t put it down. The ending I read twice over and said clever, could kinda see it, but still just…I don’t know how to out it without spoiling.
As the blurb says, You were the worst.
The interpolation of Saoirse throughout had tender moments, before life careened in so many ways.
But the world is scary.
Picked up from the TBR Pile - Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny.
Bought from @dubraybooks, Waterford - 22/07/24
Read: 01/08/24 - 07/08/24
June 29, 2024
Bodies is a dark twisted read, and it is not until we get close to the end that we fully realise what’s going on. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication, and I’m fairly certain this will be a big hit upon its release.
Our main character is Charlotte, a young woman seemingly seeking validation through her sexual encounters.
Johnny is her first. Then there’s his brother, Lars. We have her first serious boyfriend, Dave, and university roommate Kyle. And then there’s married man, Con. However, it’s not until the end of the book that we realise the significance of Charlotte’s recounts.
I’m not sure what to make of Charlotte. This felt, at times, like an extended version of the video for Smack My Bitch Up by The Prodigy. Unsettling, but definitely memorable.
Our main character is Charlotte, a young woman seemingly seeking validation through her sexual encounters.
Johnny is her first. Then there’s his brother, Lars. We have her first serious boyfriend, Dave, and university roommate Kyle. And then there’s married man, Con. However, it’s not until the end of the book that we realise the significance of Charlotte’s recounts.
I’m not sure what to make of Charlotte. This felt, at times, like an extended version of the video for Smack My Bitch Up by The Prodigy. Unsettling, but definitely memorable.
August 18, 2024
3.5⭐️ rounded up
Overall I enjoyed this book, reminded me a lot of a Jennifer’s Body type of horror for the girls! I really loved Foley’s writing style and I applaud her ability to make me love or hate a character in just 1 or 2 short chapters. As for the twist, I did suspect something was up around the time of Adam’s death, so I didn’t get a proper gotcha moment at the end - which I wouldn’t have minded if the ending was fleshed out a bit more. As a lot of other readers have said it all felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved to get more of a glimpse inside Charlotte’s mind after learning what we do. Probably my biggest disappointment came from SAOIRSE - she was a character highlight for me and some chapters from her POV would have been fantastic. I’m definitely impressed with this as a debut novel and will absolutely be reading more of Foley’s work in the future.
Overall I enjoyed this book, reminded me a lot of a Jennifer’s Body type of horror for the girls! I really loved Foley’s writing style and I applaud her ability to make me love or hate a character in just 1 or 2 short chapters. As for the twist, I did suspect something was up around the time of Adam’s death, so I didn’t get a proper gotcha moment at the end - which I wouldn’t have minded if the ending was fleshed out a bit more. As a lot of other readers have said it all felt a bit rushed, and I would have loved to get more of a glimpse inside Charlotte’s mind after learning what we do. Probably my biggest disappointment came from SAOIRSE - she was a character highlight for me and some chapters from her POV would have been fantastic. I’m definitely impressed with this as a debut novel and will absolutely be reading more of Foley’s work in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
Absolutely brilliant book! The first half had me reminiscing about my own life, loves and the past - I was introspective, moody and brooding all day reading it. Made me want to contact people I hadn't spoken to since I was a teenager, made me want to relive the first time putting on lipstick in the mirror and wiping it off after the thrill of seeing bright red lips on an incongruously innocent face.
She captures the shock of youth and growing up so beautifully it made me cry. It was very dark, it handled grief brilliantly, but painfully. Charlotte is at once a tragic hero and villain, she is to be pitied but also too powerful to be pitiable.
Although I need to read a happy book now to cleanse my palette!
She captures the shock of youth and growing up so beautifully it made me cry. It was very dark, it handled grief brilliantly, but painfully. Charlotte is at once a tragic hero and villain, she is to be pitied but also too powerful to be pitiable.
Although I need to read a happy book now to cleanse my palette!
May 15, 2024
This was a cracker. I read this in one sitting because how could I not? The writing sucked me in and before I knew it I was sitting in a pub next to this girl and at times the writing was so genuine and so true to life I thought I might have been reading something that had once happened to me.
Set against a back drop of religious and generational trauma this story starts off as one thing and quickly spirals into something else, I was genuinely intoxicated with the writing. I’m not Irish, I’m Scottish, the similarities are glaring and for a Buckfast reference, Christine I give you 100 points.
I have to recommend this for all those girls out there who love a weird girl book but also, for any girl who’s ever been used by a man, hurt by a man or generally ever just been in a room filled with men. You’ll get it.
This book was definitely written for all the girls who have been gas-lit, cheated on, hurt and used. It feels like vindication wrapped up in someone else’s madness but healing in a way that only an anti-hero could serve.
Christine is now an instabuy author for me and Christine, if you see this - thank you for giving this to us, all of us who needed this.
Set against a back drop of religious and generational trauma this story starts off as one thing and quickly spirals into something else, I was genuinely intoxicated with the writing. I’m not Irish, I’m Scottish, the similarities are glaring and for a Buckfast reference, Christine I give you 100 points.
I have to recommend this for all those girls out there who love a weird girl book but also, for any girl who’s ever been used by a man, hurt by a man or generally ever just been in a room filled with men. You’ll get it.
This book was definitely written for all the girls who have been gas-lit, cheated on, hurt and used. It feels like vindication wrapped up in someone else’s madness but healing in a way that only an anti-hero could serve.
Christine is now an instabuy author for me and Christine, if you see this - thank you for giving this to us, all of us who needed this.
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