45 pages • 1 hour read
Lullabies for Little Criminals
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Book Brief
330
Novel • Fiction
Montreal, Quebec • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill follows Baby, a thirteen-year-old girl living in the slums of Montreal with her heroin-addicted father, Jules. As Baby navigates the instability caused by Jules' addiction, she seeks affection and stability, ultimately getting involved with dangerous individuals. The story is told through Baby's reflective, yet honest, memories of her troubled childhood. Topics: child exploitation, substance addiction, and abuse.
Melancholic
Gritty
Challenging
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
28,549 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill has been praised for its compelling, lyrical prose and vivid character development. Reviewers highlight O'Neill's skill in portraying the raw and gritty life of a young girl growing up in poverty. Some critics feel the narrative's bleakness can be overwhelming. Overall, it’s a poignant and unforgettable debut novel that captures both hardship and resilience.
Who Should Read Lullabies for Little Criminals?
Fans of raw, poignant coming-of-age stories would cherish Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill. Ideal for readers who appreciated the gritty realism of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or the lyrical prose of White Oleander by Janet Fitch. This novel’s blend of innocence and harsh reality is captivating.
28,549 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jules
Jules
Baby's father, who struggles with heroin addiction and mental health issues; he attempts to care for Baby but often falls short due to his personal struggles.
Felix
Felix
Baby's friend who shares childhood experiences with her, including creative projects and experimenting with magic mushrooms.
Theo
Theo
A young boy considered by Baby to be her boyfriend; he exhibits violent behavior, reflecting the abuse he suffers at home.
Alphonse
Alphonse
An adult who manipulates Baby by giving her attention and gifts, ultimately exploiting her vulnerability.
330
Novel • Fiction
Montreal, Quebec • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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