"Debut novelist Madeleine Dunnigan's 'Jean' is a searing coming-of-age story that hurtles its protagonist towards self-discovery with unflinching honesty. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Sussex, where the air feels electric with social change and upheaval, Jean's journey is one of teenage lust, self-awareness, and the fraught search for identity.
At just 17, Jean is already a ticking time bomb, his history of violence and abandonment casting a long shadow over his fragile psyche. As he prepares to take his O-levels – a late departure from the norm, a testament to his troubled past – it becomes clear that this is not simply a story about a queer outsider struggling to find himself in a conformist world. Rather, it's a exploration of masculinity under siege.
Dunnigan's prose is a masterclass in nuance and subtlety, effortlessly juggling sensuality with brutality as Jean navigates the treacherous landscape of his desires. His writing is alive to physical fact, conjuring vivid images that feel almost visceral. Yet, it's the quiet, introspective moments – the stillness before the storm – where Dunnigan truly shines.
The slow-burning tension builds with a narrative that's both personal and politically charged. As Jean's world begins to unravel, it's clear that this is no ordinary coming-of-age story. The fallout from his first tentative forays into sex is nothing short of explosive, forcing him to confront the darkest corners of his own psyche.
And then, just when you think you know where the story is headed, Dunnigan pulls the rug from under your feet. Tom, the boy who's captured Jean's heart, turns out to be a betrayer – and in that betrayal lies the key to unlocking a long-forgotten childhood memory that sets Jean on a path of self-discovery.
The result is a conclusion that's both devastatingly moving and gloriously hopeful. It's a testament to Dunnigan's skill as a writer that she can coax such depth from her characters, imbuing them with a raw, unvarnished humanity that feels both immediate and timeless.
'Jean' is an accomplished debut that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt like they're fighting to understand themselves. It's a story about the power of self-knowledge – and the devastating cost of hiding from one's true self."
At just 17, Jean is already a ticking time bomb, his history of violence and abandonment casting a long shadow over his fragile psyche. As he prepares to take his O-levels – a late departure from the norm, a testament to his troubled past – it becomes clear that this is not simply a story about a queer outsider struggling to find himself in a conformist world. Rather, it's a exploration of masculinity under siege.
Dunnigan's prose is a masterclass in nuance and subtlety, effortlessly juggling sensuality with brutality as Jean navigates the treacherous landscape of his desires. His writing is alive to physical fact, conjuring vivid images that feel almost visceral. Yet, it's the quiet, introspective moments – the stillness before the storm – where Dunnigan truly shines.
The slow-burning tension builds with a narrative that's both personal and politically charged. As Jean's world begins to unravel, it's clear that this is no ordinary coming-of-age story. The fallout from his first tentative forays into sex is nothing short of explosive, forcing him to confront the darkest corners of his own psyche.
And then, just when you think you know where the story is headed, Dunnigan pulls the rug from under your feet. Tom, the boy who's captured Jean's heart, turns out to be a betrayer – and in that betrayal lies the key to unlocking a long-forgotten childhood memory that sets Jean on a path of self-discovery.
The result is a conclusion that's both devastatingly moving and gloriously hopeful. It's a testament to Dunnigan's skill as a writer that she can coax such depth from her characters, imbuing them with a raw, unvarnished humanity that feels both immediate and timeless.
'Jean' is an accomplished debut that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt like they're fighting to understand themselves. It's a story about the power of self-knowledge – and the devastating cost of hiding from one's true self."
. The way she writes, it's like you're right there with Jean, feeling his pain and his desires. It's a super raw and honest story about being a teenager and trying to figure out who you are. The author has this amazing ability to balance the darker stuff with the more hopeful moments, it's not too preachy or heavy-handed at all 
. What I loved most was how Jean's journey isn't just about him, but also about the world around him - like, his history and family and everything that's shaped him into the person he is today. It's a really important story, even if it's not always easy to read 
.
. The way Dunnigan writes about Jean's emotions, especially the sex scenes... I need more of that 
. And can we talk about Tom for a sec? Betrayal? 
That twist was EVERYTHING! 
I'm still reeling from the ending... it's like my heart is racing just thinking about it 
. It's like, totally relatable on every level. And Dunnigan's writing style? 
Masterclass. I need more of this author ASAP! 
what i loved most about this review is how it talked about the slow-burning tension and the way the story builds up to a shocking twist 
.
! The way she writes about 70s Sussex is like, totally immersive 
️. I love how Jean's story is both super personal and kinda politically charged - it's like, he's not just fighting for himself, but also for the queerness of his generation 
. And that twist at the end? Mind blown 
! It's like Dunnigan takes all this emotional intensity and then just drops you into a whole new world. The writing is so on point too - it's like she's speaking directly to your soul 
. I mean, what really resonates with me about "Jean" is that it's not just a story about self-discovery, but also about the cost of hiding who you truly are 
. It's all so beautifully written and emotional... I'm totally going to re-read this one multiple times 
. i think what i love most about the writing is how nuanced & subtle it is, dunnigan's got a way with words that makes you feel all the feels 
. And that plot twist at the end?! I didn't see it coming! It's like Dunnigan took a deep breath and just let the truth spill out - it's so raw and honest, even if it's uncomfortable to read sometimes. Anyone who's ever felt like they don't fit in or are struggling to find their place will relate to this book. It's like a big ol' hug from an author who gets it 
I just finished reading 'Jean' by Madeleine Dunnigan and I'm still reeling from the experience 
she has this way of making you feel like you're right there with Jean, experiencing everything he's going through 
Trust me, you won't regret it 
, "nuance and subtlety" 
... can't even. i mean, it sounds like the author is trying out for a job at the literary equivalent of a food critic or something. like, come on, it's just a book review 
! I love how it captures the essence of coming-of-age struggles, especially for queer teens who are already fighting an uphill battle. The way the reviewer praises Dunnigan's writing style is spot on - her prose is so evocative and visceral, you can almost feel Jean's emotions 
. And that twist at the end? Mind blown 
. And that twist at the end?! Mind blown 
. The author's writing style seems really poetic too - almost like it was ripped straight from a classic novel. But what really gets me is how raw and honest it feels, like it's tapping into something real and universal. I'm not sure if I'd say it's my cup of tea or whatever, but I can see why people would connect with it on a deeper level...
. And that twist at the end? Mind. Blown. 
.