Jean by Madeleine Dunnigan review – sex and teenage secrets

Dunnigan's debut novel, 'Jean', is a scorching exploration of teenage lust, self-discovery, and the darker corners of adolescent desire. Set against the backdrop of 1976 England, where social norms were on the cusp of explosive change, the story follows Jean, a queer 17-year-old navigating his way through O-levels and the complex web of friendships that define his isolated world – The House of Nutters.

Dunnigan's prose is unflinchingly honest, hurtling from the most mundane details to raw, visceral descriptions of violence and trauma. Her protagonist's inner monologue is a masterclass in psychological complexity, oscillating between infantile desperation and disturbing maturity with unnerving precision. As Jean confronts his desires, Dunnigan skillfully dissects the societal expectations that suffocate his very existence – being Jewish, gay, and an outsider in a school of privileged, wealthy boys.

Through Jean's tumultuous journey, Dunnigan deftly interweaves themes of class, identity, and the search for self. The slow-burning narrative unfolds like a puzzle, each piece expertly fitted into place to reveal the scars that have shaped Jean's world. This is not just a coming-of-age story; it's a scathing critique of masculinity, societal norms, and the devastating consequences of trauma.

Dunnigan's writing is marked by a sharpness and intimacy that borders on the unsettling. Her prose is alive with physicality, mirroring Jean's raw emotions with unflinching precision. The narrative hurtles towards a heart-wrenching confrontation when Tom, the boy who has been in Jean's crosshairs for years, betrays him – a betrayal that sets off a chain reaction of events that ultimately reveals the hidden truth behind Jean's troubled past.

In its stunning conclusion, Dunnigan allows Jean to confront his demons and, in doing so, find a measure of redemption. The novel is an unflinching portrayal of what it means to be young, queer, and struggling to find one's place in a treacherous world. 'Jean' will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit – its message of hope and self-discovery is as urgent as it is powerful.

I'm so over this 'Jean' novel thing... I mean, what's the big deal? It's just another angsty teen drama about a kid with daddy issues . Everyone's making such a fuss about how raw and honest the writing is, but honestly, it sounds like Dunnigan's just trying to shock people with all the dark stuff she's throwing out there . And don't even get me started on the whole 'scathing critique of masculinity' vibe... gimme a break! It's just another guy complaining about how hard it is to be a guy . I mean, if you're that upset about being a teenager, why not just move in with your parents and stop complaining?

I'm loving this new novel by Dunnigan, 'Jean', it's so raw and honest I feel like I've been transported back to 1976 England, the setting is so vividly described . The main character Jean, I mean, he's just so... human all his flaws and emotions are on full display. I love how Dunnigan writes about class, identity, and trauma, it's like she's speaking straight to my soul . I was also really invested in the story, it's like a puzzle slowly unfolding . The ending is just... wow , I won't lie, I got totally emotional reading that part. I think Dunnigan's writing style is just genius, so sharp and intimate . Can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

idk how many times i gotta say this but another book that just came out and people r saying its "deep" and "thought-provoking"... meanwhile all i see is a bunch of angsty teenagers running around like headless chickens . don't get me wrong, i guess it's kinda cool that the author is exploring some heavy themes like trauma and societal expectations, but is it really "stunning"? is it really "powerful"? or is it just another book about privileged white kids whining about how hard their lives are?

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone . I think Dunnigan's novel does a sick job of exploring what it means to be young, queer, and struggling to find one's place in this crazy world. It's like, totally raw and honest, you know? But at the same time, it's so beautifully written that it'll make you feel all the feels . I'm defo rooting for Jean and his journey of self-discovery .

I'm low-key obsessed with this debut novel ! I love how the author tackles tough topics like trauma, identity, and class without shying away from the darkness. The writing is so visceral and raw, it's like you're right there with Jean navigating his feelings of isolation and desire. The way Dunnigan weaves together themes of masculinity, societal norms, and self-discovery is pure genius . But what really got me was how realistic the portrayal of adolescent desire and struggle feels – it's like she's holding up a mirror to our own messed-up teenage years. Still, I do wish there was more resolution for Jean, like, I get that he finds some measure of redemption, but didn't want to see him getting all better too easily . Overall though, this novel is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt like they don't quite fit in – it's a powerful reminder that we're all struggling to find our way, even if we don't always show it .

I'm low-key obsessed with this debut novel "Jean" by Dunnigan . The way she explores the complexities of teenage angst, identity, and trauma is just so raw and real it's almost uncomfortable to read . I love how the author doesn't shy away from the dark stuff – it's like she's holding up a mirror to society and saying "yeah, we need to confront this" . The writing style is so unique, it's like Dunnigan is having a conversation with you in your mind . And that ending... *sigh* it's just so beautifully painful . I think what resonates with me the most is how the novel makes you feel seen and heard – especially for those of us who've felt like outsiders or struggled to find our place in the world . It's not always easy reading, but it's definitely worth it .

OMG I'm totally blown away by this debut novel, 'Jean'! The way the author, Dunnigan, writes about teenage lust, self-discovery, and trauma is just so raw and honest It's like she's speaking straight to your soul. I love how she weaves together themes of class, identity, and masculinity in a way that feels so timely and important

I also need to know more about the author behind this masterpiece What inspired her to write about Jean's struggles? And what was it like growing up queer in 1976 England? It sounds like such a pivotal time for social change, but I'm sure that didn't make life easy for someone like Jean.

Can we talk more about the portrayal of trauma and violence in this book? It feels like Dunnigan handles these heavy topics with so much care and sensitivity But at the same time, it's still super intense and emotional. Have you read any other books that tackle similar themes?

Also, I'm curious - what do you think is the most powerful message or takeaway from 'Jean'? Is there something specific that resonated with you as a reader?

i gotta say, this novel sounds super intense dunigan's writing style seems kinda... raw? like she's not afraid to get all up in your grill about the darker stuff and i'm low-key intrigued by how she weaves together themes of class, identity, and trauma. 1976 england is like, soooo cool but also super problematic how did society expect jean to just... fit in? it's like, hello, you're being forced into a tiny box that ain't made for you i'm curious to see how dunigan handles the ending tho is it gonna be some kinda happy ending or more of a downer?

I'm not sure about this new book 'Jean' by Dunnigan . It sounds super intense and I'm not sure if it's something I'd want to invest my time into. The fact that it's set in 1976 England and deals with some heavy themes like trauma, violence, and masculinity makes me a bit hesitant. I've seen this before, the whole 'dystopian coming-of-age' vibe is kinda overdone . And don't get me wrong, the writing style sounds cool and all, but it's also kind of...unsettling? Is it just me or does it feel like we're getting another 'tortured teenager' story?

I don’t usually comment but... I just finished reading this novel and I'm still reeling from the experience . As a 25-year-old, I feel like I've grown up in a world where these kinds of stories are more accepted, but Dunnigan's portrayal of adolescent desire and trauma is still so raw and honest it feels like a punch to the gut . I think what resonated with me most was how Jean's story feels both deeply personal and universally relatable – I've never felt like an outsider as much as Jean does, but at the same time, I know we've all struggled to find our place in some way or another . The writing is incredible, by the way – it's like Dunnigan's tapped into this inner world that's both beautiful and terrifying .

I'm loving this new novel by Dunnigan ! She's got this raw, honest writing style that just pulls you in and won't let go . I mean, the way she explores Jean's inner world is just masterful - so complex and multi-layered it's like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded . And that societal critique? Sharp as knives ! It's like she's holding up this mirror to the '70s England system and saying "hold up, let's get real for a sec" . I'm so here for Jean's story - it's like he's speaking straight to my soul . This novel is going to be HUGE

I'm not sure about all the hype around this book... I mean, I get that it's a powerful exploration of adolescent struggles, but sometimes I think authors hit us over the head with their "message" . For me, the best stories are the ones where you're left wondering what's really going on, rather than being spelled out for you. And yeah, the writing is definitely intense, but sometimes it feels like Dunnigan is trying too hard to shock us with its honesty . I'm all for representing marginalized voices, but I think there's a difference between "scathing critique" and just hitting us over the head with how messed up things are .

omg i just finished readin 'jean' by dunnigan and i'm SHOOK rn! the way she writes about adolescent desire & trauma is so raw & unflinchingly honest like, i felt every single emotion along with jean. the way she dissects societal expectations & masculinity is totaly on point & i loved how the narrative unfolds like a puzzle . but what really got me was the themes of class, identity, & self-discovery - it's like she spoke directly to my soul . anywayz, if you're lookin for a book that'll make you feel all the feels, then 'jean' is defo the one to read

I'm blown away by Dunnigan's debut novel, 'Jean'. The way she delves into the complexities of adolescent desire and the societal expectations that suffocate queer identity in 1970s England is both hauntingly familiar and refreshingly raw. Her prose is like a punch to the gut – it's unflinchingly honest and visceral, making for a reading experience that's equal parts uncomfortable and cathartic .

I'm also loving how Dunnigan skillfully weaves together themes of class, identity, and trauma to create this stunning coming-of-age story. The way she explores the intersectionalities of Jean's experiences as a Jewish gay teenager is nothing short of masterful. It's clear that Dunnigan has done her research and isn't afraid to get uncomfortable – the result is a narrative that's both deeply personal and profoundly universal .

The character development is another highlight, particularly in terms of Jean's inner monologue which oscillates between infantile desperation and disturbing maturity. It's a true tour-de-force of psychological complexity . Overall, I'm thoroughly won over by 'Jean' – it's a powerful exploration of what it means to be young, queer, and struggling to find one's place in the world

Ugh, I'm so over this platform again... can't we just have a clean discussion without all the fluff? Anyway, back to 'Jean' - I gotta say, Dunnigan's writing is pretty raw. Like, really gets under your skin. The way she describes Jean's emotions is super relatable, especially for anyone who's ever felt like they're stuck in limbo. But what really caught my attention is how Dunnigan tackles the whole trauma thing... it's like, we've been tiptoeing around this topic for too long and I'm so over it. Let's talk about it! The way Jean's past comes back to haunt him is just, wow. It's like, you're right there with him, feeling his anxiety and desperation. Anyways, what's your take on Dunnigan's portrayal of masculinity?

omg i just finished reading jean by dunnigan and i'm still reeling from the experience! this book is not just a story about a teenager navigating adolescence, it's a scathing critique of societal norms and masculinity - it's so raw and honest, like you're being punched in the gut but also somehow cathartic? dunnigan's writing is like poetry - the way she weaves together themes of class, identity, and trauma is just masterful. i loved how jean's inner monologue is this complex, psychological mess that's both heartbreaking and infuriating at the same time and that ending? ugh, don't even get me started... it's like a punch to the feels but also somehow hopeful?

I just finished reading this debut novel "Jean" by Dunnigan, and I gotta say, it's been a wild ride . The way the author weaves together themes of identity, trauma, and societal expectations is really impressive . The protagonist Jean is so well-written, his inner monologue is like a mirror to my soul, you know? It's crazy how much pain and struggle he goes through just trying to find himself .

I love how the author doesn't shy away from the darker corners of adolescence, but also manages to inject this hope and resilience that makes you root for Jean all the way . The writing is so sharp and intimate, it's like Dunnigan is speaking directly to your heart . Overall, I think "Jean" is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt like they don't quite fit in . It's a powerful message of hope and self-discovery that will stay with you long after you finish the book .

I'm totally obsessed with this debut novel! The way the author explores the complexities of adolescent desire, identity, and trauma is just so raw and real. It's like Dunnigan is speaking directly to your soul . What really gets me is how she tackles societal expectations and masculinity - it's not just a coming-of-age story, it's a scathing critique of our norms . And the writing? Unflinching and intimate, it's like you're right there with Jean, feeling every beat of his heart . I need to read this one ASAP!

just finished reading jean and i'm still reeling from the experience dunnigan's writing is insane, like she's got this intimate understanding of the darkest corners of human desire and how they shape us into who we are today. the way she explores themes of class and identity is so sharp it feels like a punch to the gut i love that jean's not some traditional hero - he's messy and flawed and sometimes downright terrifying, but in the best possible way what resonates with me most though is how unapologetically raw and honest this book is. no sugarcoating here, just a hard-hitting look at trauma and its aftermath