Review: Only Ever Yours
09:30
By Louise O'Neill
Source: Personal purchase, paperback
Genres: Young adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Feminism
Goodreads Synopsis:
frieda and isabel have been best friends their whole lives.
Now, aged sixteen and in their final year at the School, they expect to be selected as companions - wives to wealthy and powerful men. The alternative - life as a concubine - is too horrible to contemplate.
But as the intensity of the final year takes hold, the pressure to remain perfect becomes almost unbearable. isabel starts to self-destruct, putting her beauty - her only asset - in peril.
And then, the boy arrive, eager to choose a bride.
frieda must fight for her future - even if it means betraying the only friend, the only love, she has ever known...
I have been putting reviewing this off for ages now, but now I’m finally gathering my thoughts to attempt a review. Because it’s just that good. Anyone who has had the pleasure of reading this will know just how hard-hitting and important it is. I didn’t love reading it, because it was a truly harrowing read, but what I did love was how important it is, and how much it gave me to think about. it’s one of my favourite books because of this. I recommend it to everyone - regardless of your gender.
I can’t tell you how important this book is. You just have to read it for yourself, and I think the less you know, the better. It’s a haunting view of our society, but after reading, and thinking a hell of a lot about society, it’s scarily true. I know we don’t generally see women in the same way that they do in frieda and isabel’s world, but if you really think about it, we’re not too far off.
This has made me want to do something about it. I’m a teenage cis girl who has dealt with sexism for my whole life. Usually, I’ve just learnt to “accept” it, but this book has really inspired me to do something. Although life isn’t as bad as it is for the girls in Only Ever Yours, our society could become this way, and I don’t want it to happen. This book has inspired me to try and make a change (even if it’s really small).
If you’ve ever spoken to me (especially in real life), you’ll know I’m an intersectional feminist. I knew as soon as I heard about this book that I just had to pick it up. Before, I hadn’t read a book that was so blatantly feminist - it’s a hard thing to brand yourself as today, in a world that pretty much hates feminism. I was so shocked to read this, because I wasn’t expecting it at all. I have recommended it to everyone, because it’s just so good.
Please, please, just read this book. Even if you don’t “enjoy” it, it’s one of the most important books you’ll ever read, and is so cleverly crafted that I don’t see how anyone could ever regret reading it. My hat goes off to Louise O’Neill for writing such a crucial book, and I know I will read every single book written by her in the future, because I know they won’t disappoint.
Hello! I'm D - a dog-loving feminist from the UK. You'll probably find me with my nose in a book or playing my clarinet
8 comments
I have never heard a single bad thing about this book at all. Which was the main reason I have added it to my TBR. But this sounds like everything I am potentially going to love wrapped up in a single book as well, and from the sound of this review I need this book in my life. Thanks for the recommendation, and that was a lovely review xx
ReplyDeleteNeither have I! everyone loves it so much, but I just don't see how someone could hate it. I'd definitely recommend making it one of your top priorities! Thank-you so much, Olivia. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did ♥
DeleteI haven't heard of this series before, but after reading your review, I'm definitely going to have to give it a try! Great review :)
ReplyDelete~Erika @ Books, Stars, Writing. And Everything In Between.
You'll definitely have to give this one a try! It's a stand-alone, btw :)
DeleteThis one is new to me but I am definitely interested now, it sounds like this is a must read for everyone and I'm so glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteThank-you! I'd definitely recommend - it's a great book :)
DeleteWoah, 5 stars. I am so reading this book -- ASAP. Even if it's a difficult read, I know I can't pass this one up. Thank you for the review, Denise!
ReplyDeletePeach Print
I'm glad you're open to reading it! It's a very important read. Thank-you for the comment!
DeleteThanks for commenting! I read and respond to every comment, so make sure to check back to see my reply. Have a nice day! ☺♥