My Absolute Darling
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
432
Novel • Fiction
Northern California • 2010s
2017
Adult
18+ years
920L
My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent follows fourteen-year-old Turtle Alveston, who endures and eventually recognizes the extreme abuse inflicted by her father, Martin, a paranoid survivalist. Turtle's journey toward self-discovery and empowerment is catalyzed by new friendships and her growing awareness of her need to escape her father's control. This book contains depictions of sexual and psychological abuse.
Dark
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Challenging
Emotional
60,471 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gabriel Tallent’s My Absolute Darling is a gripping debut lauded for its powerful prose and intense character development, particularly the protagonist, Turtle. The novel’s depiction of abuse and survival is raw and compelling, though some critics find its violence overwhelming. Despite this, its emotional depth and authentic voice have earned widespread acclaim.
Readers who appreciate gritty, emotional narratives exploring survival, trauma, and resilience would be captivated by My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent. Fans of A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara or Room by Emma Donoghue will find its intense, immersive storytelling and complex character development particularly compelling.
60,471 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
432
Novel • Fiction
Northern California • 2010s
2017
Adult
18+ years
920L
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