Cover Image: The Damage

The Damage

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Member Reviews

Having had the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of "The Damage" by Caitlin Wahrer, I found myself immersed in a complex and emotionally charged narrative that left a lasting impact. This debut novel is an exploration of family, trust, and the consequences of dark secrets, skillfully penned and certain to resonate with readers.

The story revolves around the lives of married couple Tony and Carrie, who appear to have it all - a loving relationship and a young son. However, their world shatters when a traumatic incident leaves them grappling with the aftermath. When Nick, Tony's childhood friend, is accused of a terrible crime, their loyalties are tested, and they must confront unsettling truths that threaten to unravel their lives.

Caitlin Wahrer's writing is evocative and compelling, drawing the reader deep into the complexities of the characters' emotions. The narrative shifts perspectives between Tony and Carrie, allowing us to experience their individual struggles and the strain on their relationship. This alternating narrative offers a nuanced exploration of their experiences, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the characters' fates.

The characters themselves are multifaceted and authentically portrayed. Tony and Carrie's internal conflicts and the evolving dynamics of their relationships are masterfully depicted, making it easy to empathize with their challenges. Nick, as the accused, remains enigmatic throughout the story, casting a shadow of doubt and suspicion that adds depth to the narrative.

The heart of "The Damage" lies in its exploration of family bonds, trust, and the profound impacts of trauma. Wahrer delves into the intricacies of the legal system and the emotional turmoil faced by both victims and the accused, painting a harrowing yet thought-provoking picture of the consequences of a single night.

While the story is compelling and beautifully written, there are moments when it meanders, and some readers may find it challenging to connect with the characters' choices and actions. The pacing, while generally steady, occasionally felt sluggish.

In conclusion, "The Damage" by Caitlin Wahrer is a powerful debut that grapples with themes of love, trust, and the shadows of the past. The author's eloquent prose and empathetic portrayal of her characters make this novel a remarkable exploration of the human condition. If you're seeking a deeply affecting and contemplative read, "The Damage" is a book well worth your time.

My gratitude goes to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to an advanced reader copy of this novel.

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I requested this book as it was in the mystery/thriller category in Netgalley, but the story was a crime-family drama about a male rape case. The controversial topic was presented in a tactful and organized method, but the read was difficult for me to stomach.

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This title archived before I was able to download and read it. I was able to borrow it from the library, but I couldn't really get into it. Hopefully I'll try it again in the future.

*Thank you @randomhouse for the copy in exchange for an honest review. Review not posted to Amazon/Goodreads because less than 4 stars or DNF.*

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It was okay. Different from what I normally read. I would probably pick up another book by this author just to see if I really do like the author’s books or not.

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This was an interesting take on the topic of sexual assault. It’s not typically seen happening to a man and I thought the viewpoint from the victim was done well. The family dynamic between the brothers was also what made this book a good read though I thought it was overall a bit too long and I wasn’t totally invested in the storyline or the characters in it. The bonds of family is strong in this but the ending didn’t really satisfy me.

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This novel was gut-wrenching. I found the first half or so to be very believable and well-researched. Something happened in the second half of the book that made it feel less believable and that is the only reason I dropped a star. I would recommend this book.

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This book was some intense he said/he said and I really enjoyed it. Who do you believe when everyone tells their story a little too well? 4 stars.

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One of my favorite books of 2021! The Damage was such a unique and interesting legal thriller - it kept me guessing and on my toes every single page. I am eager to see what this talented voice does next!

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Fairly well-written, but it didn't really stand out to me. It was good, but it wasn't exceptional. I wish that it had just been a little more suspenseful.

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Please review trigger warnings before reading this book to make sure it is something you are up for.

A story about the love of a family and how far they will go to protect one another, I loved the characters, the plot development, the character development and the story line. It was so well rounded and an amazing read!

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Thank you to Caitlin Wahrer, Penguin Random House Canada, and Netgalley for providing me with this ebook ARC of The Damage for me to read and review.

Review to follow.

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It's so rare to read a book from the perspective of a male victim of sexual assault.

I felt very emotional while I read the first half of this novel. I think the characterization of our leads and the turmoil they were facing in the aftermath of the result were really heart breaking. This felt like a book that was going to be an emphatic five star for me.

But there was a switch at the halfway point. It just got a little too melodramatic/soap-operatic for my personal tastes. It successfully brought out a different emotion out of me, incredulity.

Obviously the way that survivors of assault and their families react is different. Bad decisions get made at every turn, but I just couldn't really see these actions being anything but fiction, which: I know I'm reading fiction, I haven't lost my grip on reality, but I think the tone changes in a way that as distracting to me.

But still, a really incredible story and that's why I'm giving it 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to DoubleDay/Penguin Random House and Netgalley for an ARC of this title.

delayed review because my digital arc was corrupted and needed to borrow a copy from the library.

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I really enjoyed this slow burn mystery/thriller. The writer handled the sexual assault of a man by a man in a very careful way and I think did a great job of it. It was a slow burn but definitely a huge payoff at the end! Would recommend!

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This is the first book I read from this author and although I’ve enjoyed it, I missed more suspense and in my opinion I was a little bit slow. The characters though were very well developed and believable.

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THE DAMAGE
by Caitlin Wahrer

4 STARS!

What an amazing story from a debut author! Also, If Stephen King says a book is good, I will always trust him.

This was a bit of a slow burn, but I was hooked on the story from the very beginning. Although, I will say this contained very heavy subject matter and was difficult to read at times without stopping to take some breaks. This story shifted between two timelines, 2015 and 2019 and was very character driven. This was a great book with a very sensitive theme and subject that has been taboo for far too long.

I am looking forward to more of her work.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada and Doubleday Canada for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. #NetGalley #TheDamage

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What an incredible debut from Wahrer! I recently read another thriller dealing with a male rape case (Kia Abdullah’s Truth Be Told), and I love how authors are finally shedding light on how not only the general public, but the legal system, treats male rape. It’s a hard and emotional book to stomach at times due to the subject matter, but it’s a tight story of a family doing what they can to make sure the victim is protected. This reminded me a lot of Long Bright River, in the way the story is told and the strong focus on family. Cannot wait to see what Wahrer does next.

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Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada and Caitlin Wahrer for free e-ARC of The Damage in return of my honest review.

The theme for the book is quite unusual, I rarely came across thrillers with male rape victims and I feel that it theme has to be explored more. Caitlin Wahrer did a great job in discussing the social reaction and all prejudices regarding the issue. The subject is uncomfortable, however, the awareness must be raised.

Also, the way she narrates the story is quite interesting - through years, through different characters, through various perspectives. It created the deepness to the story.

I am looking forward for more work from Caitlin Wahrer.

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I really wanted to like this book but for some reason it just didn't keep me the entire story. The beginning was hard to read and tragic. I felt terrible reading this! Overall it was a decent story and the writing style was well executed.

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Tony helped raise his younger brother Nick. Now Nick is the victim of a crime and Tony has to decide how far he will go to protect his brother.

This was another page turner but the characters were just so good! Often with a thriller, the characters are unlikeable but you keep reading to find out what happens. But with this one, I could sympathize and see why so many of the characters might react the way they did. And of course there were a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming.

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I have read many many domestic mystery thrillers and this was definitely a different take on a very repetitive genre. I really liked this one and the social commentary

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