Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

A difficult tale about a woman experiencing a devastating sexual assault and the many ramifications for her life. It focuses on Kate, a young woman from a single-parent household with few means. As a student she forms a powerful friendship with Max, a man whose affluent background couldn't be more different. At a large graduation party for Max, Kate is raped and her life transformed by the traumatic event.

The kernel of the story is sound. Kate's narrative is heart-breaking and powerful. The effects of the assault are sensitively written and handled with nuance and Kate's voice is one that resonates clearly. I also loved how Price dealt with Max, how she brings in not only his privilege of wealth but also his privilege as a man who has never had to consider how and why and by whom a rape can occur. The pitfalls of these roles are accurately portrayed through his inability to really understand or believe what has happened "He had always thought he would be able to recognise a man capable of rape... he had never thought that a handsome man would need to rape anyone." Price uses Max cleverly to illustrate the devastating failure to understand that rape in primarily about the exercise of power and that men who *seem* capable are far from the only perpetrators.

These are the very well-handled elements of the novel that make if definitely worth a read. The reason I couldn't score it higher is that they are somewhat marginalised by the many peripheral characters who are given voices in the story. On one hand, I can understand this. Rape can have wide-ranging repercussions, even on more peripheral actors but the overabundance of Max's wealthy, privileged family was distracting. Their voices were less distinct, less effective and serve to dilute the story. Perhaps this is intended to represent of how outside noise can serve to dampen the stories of survivors but the dysfunctional family part of the narrative meant that the book didn't live up to its full potential.

I think that the students in our school library need to hear lots of diverse voices and read stories and lives of many different kinds of people and experiences. When I inherited the library it was an incredibly sanitised space with only 'school readers' and project books on 'the railways' etc. Buying in books that will appeal to the whole range of our readers with diverse voices, eclectic and fascinating subject matter, and topics that will intrigue and fascinate them was incredibly important to me.
This is a book that I think our senior readers will enjoy very much indeed - not just because it's well written with an arresting voice that will really keep them reading and about a fascinating topic - but it's also a book that doesn't feel worthy or improving, it doesn't scream 'school library and treats them like young reading adults who have the right to explore a range of modern diverse reads that will grip and intrigue them and ensure that reading isn't something that they are just forced to do for their English project - this was a solid ten out of ten for me and I'm hoping that our students are as gripped and caught up in it as I was. It was one that I stayed up far too late reading and one that I'll be recommending to the staff as well as our senior students - thank you so much for the chance to read and review; I really loved it and can't wait to discuss it wth some of our seniors once they've read it too!

Another mea culpa is due, since I read What Red Was around the time it was published, but I struggled writing a review at the time. It was a novel that really got to me and made me feel a variety of emotions, and it was difficult to navigate through that for this review. But here we are, a few years later. Thanks to Harvill Secker and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

How do you write a novel about sexual assault and rape? Is there a right way of going about it or is that, in and of itself, restrictive? A horrifying act shouldn't be whitewashed or made more appealing, but on the other hand it can also be a triggering and potentially exploitative subject if not treated with care. When I first read What Red Was I found myself amazed by the care Rosie Price took in telling Kate's story and the gentle care with which she treated her. There is no glamorization of violence, no forced reveals or untimely assumptions. Instead there is mostly just Kate and the questions that now surround her. Who do you tell? And how? What will it mean once your story is out there? It is heart-aching to read, even though Price makes sure not to trivialize or exploit any aspects of the assault, and although at times the book is a little unfocused it is a very valuable reading experience.

What Red Was begins almost idyllically with a friendship struck up at university that becomes life-changing. Coming from a working-class, single-parent household, Kate is both in awe and hesitant of Max's flashy lifestyle and artistic parents, but they become solid friends who manage to avoid the whole 'will they/won't they' dynamic. But when Kate is assaulted at a party, things begin to change and to fracture. Holding her hurt and pain close to her chest, life continues on around Kate while she slowly falls apart. Price doesn't just follow Kate's narration. We also get chapters from Max and his wider family, among whom his mother Zara, and his cousin Lewis. While at times this felt very odd, taking away from Kate's ability to tell her own story, it did broaden the world within which she lived. No (wo)man is an island and how others see us, see the world, impacts how we live and what choices we (can) make. I didn't always appreciate how Kate's story was sidelined for what felt, at least a little, like an accumulation of Rich White People Problems, it did flesh out the side characters a little more.

What Red Was is a lingering book. Some might say not a whole lot happens, plot-wise, and yet it's impossible to argue that the novel doesn't address a whole subset of themes. It is a contemplative novel, one that takes its time to unravel ideas. Considering What Red Was is a debut novel, Price does very well at setting up various themes and adding social criticism. Although it doesn't always succeed in carrying its points to a conclusion, it makes a valuable attempt. One aspect of this is the ending. Price never forces Kate's pain and process in any direction, so an ending to What Red Was was always going to be challenging, but it felt a little too neat. At times the writing also felt a little casual, which works in some circumstances since we are dealing with university students/young adults, but also feels off in some parts. However, I would definitely pick up future books by Rosie Price and think that What Red Was can have a lot to offer for readers, as long as they go into it aware of some of its contents.

What Red Was is an unflinching look at the consequences of sexual assault and the damage it does.

This story was frustrating. The sexual assault scene was incredibly written, and it's weird to say that was the best part but it was. The book had a nice flow, but it never was that exciting plot-wise. I desperately wanted her to get some kind of revenge on her attacker. Alas, I guess that's not how it works. I also wanted more of a conversation about the topic of the book, and more of a debate about how Kate was dealing with this and the pressure of society. I think the book could have been taken in a different direction which would have helped get the premise of the book across.

I heard about this book at a showcase event. When I was approved for a copy on here, I was unable to finish reading because the content was far more brutal and graphic than I was expecting and was something that I was unable to read more of. That said, Rosie's writing is brilliant and engaging, I loved the character development and she wrote about the events with great sensitivity. Ultimately, it was just not suitable for me because of the subject matter. I would definitely read other books by this author though and encourage anyone who wouldn't be negatively affected by this subject matter to pick this book up.

What Red Was depicts pain, pleasure and survival of trauma through the friendship of Kate and Max. Whilst the writing is exquisite, I found the second half of the book dragged a little bit and the additional time spent on Max’s parents diluted the impact of Kate’s story.

This novel was the first book I read following a week in intensive care. its language is exquisite and this hard hitting novel does not shy away from its challenging issues. Its character development pre incident creates emotional investment and it is all within the writing where the soul from this novel comes from. Anger rises and you really care for the lead, wishing the worst on the enemy, the culprit in this novel. In addition to her characters, the setting in this novel, the houses, the room, down to the furniture create a story, build the set, no matter how harrowing. A voice to watch out for and in incredible debut novel.

The way Price approached the rape and the reaction of the victim to the rape is done in a very specific way, and perhaps not the way the majority of readers will expect it be addressed. The focus is on everything and everyone surrounding the event and Kate.

Every single person, event and item is described in minutiae barring the most poignant one. It shifts the attention on the reactions and emotions of everyone except victim and perpetrator.

I found it an intriguing way to approach the topic, especially because in reality this is often what happens. The trauma of a rape never just belongs to the person it most certainly should belong to. Family members, loved ones, friends and acquaintances - everyone thinks they are entitled to not only an opinion, but also to own a part of the trauma.

As Kate fights to come to terms with the reality of what happened and the way it might change her life if she reveals the truth

Whose story is it to share? Does it belong to the person it happened to, the person who did it or does it belong to the general public? This is the real question that arises from the entire situation. As if it's some sort of public service to inform, to judge and to bare all. Even at the expense of the victim.

One of the pivotal points of the story is the platonic relationship between Max and Kate and the repercussions of the assault on said relationship. The equilibrium between them is destroyed, but only one of them is aware of that fact.

This is an engaging piece of contemporary fiction with a noirish quality to it.

A compulsive read with big issues that propel the reader along. At times I wamted more depth to the characters, particularly with such a weighty and important subject matter, but I whizzed through this novel.

This was one of the books I was most anticipating this year so I was delighted to get a copy on NetGalley. I’m really torn as to how I feel about this book because I loved the first half and flew through it, but the second half just dragged for me and I didn’t feel a real pull to pick the book back up. The central plot of this book is about an assault and I do have to say that this was incredibly well written and dealt with. It was so realistic and believable, and following Kate’s reaction to what happened to her was very moving. I think there were perhaps too many storylines competing with each other and that slightly took away from the main premise. I did love the writing though and I would look out for future books by Rosie Price.

What Red Was is a novel about pleasure and pain, power and control, and ownership. It also has a fuzzy plotless plot.
The crux of the story is how to move on from rape, the issues involved with the many factors of sexual assault including the rippling effects on other people. From the accused who has 'evidence' that the victim was a willing partner and the male friend who wonders why a 'handsome man would need to rape' to the woman who believes that the 'first rape is a rite of passage between virginity and motherhood,' this intense first book delves deep into the conflict between the body and the mind.

This part of the story, the second half, makes uncomfortable reading but it is expertly done. It considers how telling people about it can be a help and a hindrance, as if it is something of an entity in itself that the victim has relinquished control over. This section is clear, well written and almost mesmerising in places. Except for the expression 'under-exaggerated'. I'll have to give that more thought.

If the book had stayed here it may have been shorter but it would have been better. Instead there is a ramble around a family befriended by the protagonist, their pointless contribution to the story distracting rather than adding. Here the narrative slides into reporting backgrounds in place of showing, sketchy characters and a fair amount of head-hopping even within the same sentence. So the first half of the book is slow and plodding and a little confusing amid the various uncles and holidays and other mundane activities.

It would be a shame if the first part cast a shadow on the true themes of the book, which are clever and provocative and stay with you long after the final chapter is closed. The type of book everyone should read to gain a true understanding of the effects of sexual assault. Very much of our times.

Rosie Price has great potential.

#NetGalley #WhatRedWas

A brilliant debut novel by Rosie Price. Reading this book, I was amazed that Rosie is only 26 years old - she writes with the wisdom and skill of someone much older.
Kate and Max meet at university. They seem unlikely friends. Kate is a sensible woman, from an ‘ordinary’ background. Max is wild and decadent; drinking too much and takes drugs, he comes from a very wealthy family with a townhouse in London and a country mansion. But they strike up an enduring friendship.
When Katie is raped she has to deal with the massive burden of this. She has many people around her, but who does she feel she can turn to? Who will understand and be able to help her?
What Red Was is a brilliant book, whilst it is full of many traumas, rape, addiction, rejection to name but a few, it is also full of hope.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Almost a story of female strength, friendships and spirit, and the way to continue living when life is interrupted.
But - I wanted more breadth of story, more direct thoughts / experiences of the main characters. It felt a little... ‘light’ in places.

When we first meet Kate she’s starting university, and feeling rather isolated. She meets Max when he is locked out of his room after showering, and thus starts their friendship.
We follow them through ‘getting to know you’ chats, and a summer break, and watch as they draw closer to family. Their common bonds of languages and filmmaking keep them together. Then Kate is raped at one of Max’s parties, by his cousin. Slowly she withdraws, unable to share what has happened.
Kate’s experience is told candidly, and it seemed to be a sensitive account of how this event affects her.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of other things going on and the relationship with Max’s mum felt like a link too far. While there is some resolution, there’s no neatly packaged ending here and I was concerned by the ending and it’s suggestion of more serious self-harm.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this. It was certainly interesting, though not perhaps one I’d recommend lightly.

This book is brilliant. I went in expecting to be a little bored to be honest. How could a book written by a 26 year old woman have anything to offer 53 year old me? College students. Parties. Excess alcohol consumption & recreational drug taking. Surely this is a YA novel and YA novels (generally speaking) just aren’t for me. But I was wrong and I am so glad I read it. I am amazed that it’s a debut novel. Rosie Price is a very talented writer and I will be reading everything she writes in the future.
Although the main theme of the book is traumatic and awful, the story is told so well that you’re just carried along. Price writes about difficult subjects in a clear, clean, unemotional way that still manages to convey real , messy, messed up human emotion. Kate & Max’s story was so believable (how refreshing to have a proper platonic relationship!) and I also enjoyed the subplots involving other members of Max’s family. I would have liked to know a little bit more of Kate’s mother, but don’t feel this took anything from the story. I found myself thinking about the characters when the book wasn’t in my hand & was always eager to get back to them. A favourite sentence - “She had not realised how little care she had taken over her memories” Timely and relevant, this book is going to be big.

Thanks to Netgally and to Vintage for giving me the opportunity to read this.

I will post this review on Amazon and will be talking about this book on Instagram & Twitter.

What Red Was by Rosie Price is about the friendship between Kate and Max and Kate's unravelling after a trauma.

Where can you start with Kate and Max? A beautifully raw and real story. Fantastic writing with a plot to match. A really special read

The writing in this debut novel is amazing and compelling. I found the reactions real and touching. For the writing I would give four our of five stars. However after finishing the novel, a few flaws bothered me. These are: the book is a sexual assault novel based in a world of privilege which is far removed from most people's lives; the problem of Max's addiction is never fully explored and Kate's mother is a very flat character - I feel that she was a bit forgotten and could have been used better. The plot and characters get a three out of five stars. It's a complex book to review as it brings up many feelings and thoughts. Overall I couldn't wait to pick it up to finish reading it but it troubled me afterwards.

A deeply hard-hitting, powerfully complex exploration of power, privilege, and consent.

What begins as a novel about a close friendship quickly turns into an incredibly heart-rendering insight into the aftermath of sexual assault when Katie Quaile's life is suddenly shattered after being raped.

For a debut, Price writes fearlessly and with great skill. Each sentence flows with a genuine rawness offering a gripping yet unflinching narrative on not only the aftermath of the trauma but the effects this has on the mind, body, memories and ultimately the voice.

A measured yet compelling read, What Read Was is another incredibly timely book that will have people thinking long after the last page.