Unclutter

A heartbreaking book dealing with harder topics


Unclutter is one of those books that are hard to read due to the emotional pain they are causing you. Through the whole book I was hit straight in the feels with empathy for the MC and all the hardships she had to go through, and I was impressed to see such hard topics being handled with grace and care by the author. Raw and powerful unclutter is a must read.

4.75 Stars!

Sitting down to write this review is daunting to say the least. Unclutter: A Survivor’s Story is a novel that made me feel so many different emotions. I found myself heartbroken and hopeful at the same time, and in the end, this book simply left me speechless.

Unclutter follows the story of Tina Lauren, a survivor of sexual abuse. Her deep trauma has impacted her life immeasurably, and she struggles with self-harm, among many other things. At the beginning of the novel, Tina is attacked by the wealthy and powerful Nicholas Parker, and the act of her defending herself leads her into a horrific situation where she is betrayed, shamed, and bullied.

There is no way for me to simply summarize everything that Tina endures and what her journey looks like. Every time I thought Tina had gone through enough, something utterly horrifying occurred. You really have to read this novel and experience her journey as you read.

The blurb states that this novel has “shocking turns,” and I would have to agree with this. There were many moments in the book that surprised me, often in a devastating way. This book was difficult to read, as the subject matter is so heavy and Tina truly endures so much. Truthfully, at times I had to put the book down because reading it broke my heart.

Without spoiling anything, there is a romance element of the story introduced later on, and I have to say that I absolutely loved that addition. Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, certain scenes managed to make me smile through the darkness. The romance made this book somehow even better.

There are a significant number of characters in this book, and they are all developed very well. I feel like I really knew all of them. Additionally, the cast of characters is very diverse and it is amazing to see thoughtful representation of different cultures.

I could truly keep talking about my thoughts on this book forever, as I truly believe it will stick with me for a long time. If you are interested in books that deal with heavy subject matter, I would highly recommend Unclutter.

For teenage and YA readers and up. A fictional story that may break your heart, but brings hope too. Winnie Pagora has spent so much time and effort in preparing this book for the reader. The topics covered are not easy ones to present, but here they are presented to the reader with such a tender sensitive hand. Enough detail, without sensationalism. Pain and trauma, along with love and positive relationships, and the chance to find help if not ever forget. If you are a parent or teacher this book would allow the start of needed conversation and discussion about so many issues that unfortunately our world presents to too many young people. Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

An immersive, well-thought out contemporary novel that takes things slow.

Unclutter was a really, really pleasant surprise. Novels which deal with topics such as this often rely on stereotypes, or romanticised versions of real life, or are written in a way that makes you think the author does sort of blame the victim of their story. But Unclutter had none of that. It was an honest, refreshing look at many issues faced by people in our world today. As someone who deals with some of these issues, I was pleased to note that their portrayal was realistic while at the same time showing the optimism and ups and downs of being in recovery. Truly, I felt for our main character as she fought to overcome her past, and understood why she acted in certain ways even if I couldn’t completely relate.

Pagora also has a gift for crafting relationships. Relationships of all kinds made up a huge part of this book, and each one felt authentic and nuanced. I loved seeing the friendships, in particular, so much time and detail was devoted to them and, as an aromantic asexual person, it made me feel warm and fuzzy to see that.

This is a bit heavier than your average contemporary, but I definitely recommend it, whether you’re reading to relate or understand. That being said - the plot did begin to lag for me about halfway in, as this is really slow-paced novel. Which is not a bad thing! It contributes quite well to the emotional quality of this story, the inner conflict and challenges faced by our main character. But I would definitely recommend this for people who enjoy longer novels, and who are a bit more patient than the average reader.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

"Unclutter" by Winnie Pagora appears to be a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the harrowing journey of a survivor. At its core, it seems to be a story about resilience, healing, and the importance of finding one's voice in the face of adversity.

The protagonist, Tina Lauren, is introduced as a complex character who has endured deep emotional wounds. Her struggles with self-image, the aftermath of trauma, and the pain she carries within herself are immediately relatable to many readers who have faced similar challenges. Tina's decision to confront her abusers and the subsequent consequences, including public scrutiny and bullying, highlight the harsh realities survivors often face when they speak out.

The novel's exploration of the impact of social media, family secrets, and the importance of finding support and self-love adds depth to the story. It seems to navigate the delicate balance between shedding light on sensitive topics like sexual abuse and self-harm while providing hope and resilience as central themes.

"Unclutter" promises to be a raw and honest portrayal of a survivor's journey, shedding light on the culture of silence and shame that often surrounds such experiences. It has the potential to inspire and empower readers while raising awareness about these critical issues.

However, potential readers should be aware of the content guidance provided, as the novel deals with sensitive and triggering subjects. This book appears to offer a voice to survivors and a platform for important conversations, making it a compelling read for those interested in stories of healing, empowerment, and resilience.

This impactful debut novel is aimed at teenagers but can be read by older readers as well. It focuses on the abuse, gaslighting and manipulation girls and women can experience. It brings pain, sadness, but also hope. I would highly recommend reading this book when you are in the right headspace.

This was a DNF for me at about 40 pages. I forgot to check trigger warnings beforehand and found the subject matter to be heavy for me, so this is completely my bad and I have no negative opinions on what I did read. The writing was great and I think, from what I read, that it is a really accurate and nuanced portrayal of assault and its aftermath on survivors.

"Unclutter" by Winnie D Pagora is a mesmerizing journey through the cluttered lives of its characters, where emotional baggage and physical possessions weigh heavy on their souls. From the very first page, I found myself deeply immersed in the struggles of Sarah, who battles with her past traumas amidst a sea of clutter. As Pagora expertly weaves together the narratives of Sarah, John, and Lisa, I was moved by their shared journey towards clarity and freedom.

The author's portrayal of Sarah's cluttered home reflects the chaos within her heart, making her journey towards decluttering both poignant and relatable. John's story, intertwined with Sarah's, highlights the emotional toll of clinging onto possessions that no longer serve a purpose, mirroring his own internal conflicts. And Lisa's quest for simplicity amidst societal pressures resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the importance of staying true to oneself.

Pagora's writing is not only evocative but also practical, offering readers valuable insights and strategies for simplifying their own lives. Through her characters' experiences, she eloquently demonstrates how letting go of physical clutter can pave the way for inner peace and personal growth.

"Unclutter" is a powerful reminder that true liberation comes not from accumulating more, but from shedding the unnecessary burdens that weigh us down. With its compelling storytelling and profound message, this book earns a well-deserved four stars and a permanent place on my shelf, serving as a beacon of inspiration whenever I feel overwhelmed by life's clutter.