Bodies by Christine Anne Foley is a striking and powerful debut. It is raw, dark and unflinching narrative of the relationships that have shaped our protagonist’s life. There is more than meets the eye to this novel, however, and I would argue that the blinder you go into this one the better. That said, there are significant trigger warnings to consider. 4.5 🌟

Bodies is told from Charlotte’s perspective in stream of consciousness style narrative. The novel is guided by the different relationships Charlotte finds herself in throughout her life, up to the point at which she’s telling her story. Interspersed amongst these more straightforward chronological tales are chapters entitled ‘You’ and ‘Saoirse’, each of which revolve around two significant individuals to Charlotte. I felt that the time jumps worked well and the way Foley peppered them in really helped to build intrigue, but also helped you to better understand Charlotte.

It’s difficult to say much about Charlotte without giving too much away. She is someone who has been significantly impacted and shaped by events far out of her control. She is someone that has been manipulated by those she sought comfort in. She is also someone who makes some pretty destructive choices throughout. I’ll say nothing about the twist but wow!

I found the way Foley bookended her story to be fascinating, exploring the idea that woman are consumed by the men who takes pieces of what make them who they are. Additionally Charlotte’s thoughts on the origins and growth of female shame were very powerful.

This is a dark and powerful read. It’s not for the faint hearted but it’s certainly one I’d recommend.

A read in one day book - there will be no food produced in the house until I have finished this book!

Loved, loved, loved it. There is a creeping sense of unease as Charlotte leads us through her relationships, with the mix up of timelines and men building tension and mystery.

I don’t want to spoil the story - go and read it for yourself!

I was drawn to Bodies by the blurb; sadly everyone has either experienced first-hand or knows of someone who has experienced at least one (if not all) of the scenarios described - gas lighting, love bombing, or cheating.
Bodies is a summary of the protagonist's intimate relationships and how the acts and memories of these relationships shape her.
Although Bodies is a relatable read, the content could however be a trigger for some survivors of sexual violence.

"And the not feeling was the prize. The lack of warmth or love or even the lack of tears, this was what I chased, this feeling of pure emptiness. And I'd go home and I'd sleep well knowing that I could be that intimate, that vulnerable without feeling anything at all."

The author's acknowledgement of the men who helped shape the content of Bodies is a nice touch! Thanks, John Murray Press and NetGalley for an advance copy.

This was such a powerful read and it was one I couldn't put down. I knew I had to absorb all of Charlotte's story!

I cannot remember the last time I had such a strong urge to not put a book down!! Finished over one weekend, despite having lots of plans as I spend every extra moment reading this.

The writing was beautiful, the narrative was gripping and I will be recommending to everyone I know when it comes out!

I cannot think of a better-named book. BODIES will have you looking at your own a bit differently, that's for sure.

Told in a series of vignettes from Charlotte Murphy's past, readers discover the spectrum of boys, men and walking red flags that she's interacted with over the course of her life. Some of it happy, some it of sad, but all of it compelling. At first I was just reassured to find a story about someone with a messier love life then mine and then, as I kept reading, I was reassured to see how much worse it could be.

Filled with 00s reflections on shame, loss and party culture, BODIES is a quick read that I'm very glad I've read.

Love this love this love this! From the blurb I knew I was going to enjoy this but it exceed my expectations. A sad girl novel for all too enjoy.

Thank you to Netgalley and John Murray Press for allowing me to read this ARC.

Bodies by Christine Anne Foley narrates some of Charlotte's romantic and sexual experiences throughout her adult life. That's all I can say for now! You'll have to read it to find out the rest...

I read this in about two hours. Truly devoured it. Such an incredibly raw and thrilling piece of literature, which I have no doubt will be one of the next biggest books on chaotic booktok.

Such an amazing book!!! I keep on telling people to read it and can't wait for it's release in July. Brutal, funny, horrible, relatable and thought provoking. Like talking with your best friend after too many drinks (in the best way)! And my! What a revelation they have for you!!

Can't wait to see what Christine Anne Foley writes next!