Damages wasn't what I expected at all. I thought I was getting a story with a little bit of mystery. There were a few pages that were a little teeth grinding, but the resolution was very anticlimactic.

The rest of the story focused on our main characters life as she navigates, through COVID with an eleven year old son, helping to support her mom afer an injury, a mom she doesn't seem to like all that much, with an ex-partner who has been accused of an assault in a high profile case, from a time they were students at school together.

Our main character wasn't a very good person. She wanted to fit in with the cool crowd but did so by lying and just generally being a not nice person. She really shows very little character growth throughout the book, and I think her only saving grace is that she is a good mom to her son.

I have come to realize that I don't really enjoy coming of age stories that much, and I really don't enjoy a story with unlikeable characters, so that is on me. I find it hard to give this story less than 3 stars because it wasn't for me. The story was certainly well written, and it had some thought- provoking moments.

3.5 stars
First off, I loved the writing style. It was inviting and brought me into the story immediately. I literally read over half the book in one sitting. And then read the rest of it the next day. An interesting and nuanced story involving the sexual boundaries of rape in past decades versus modern day, how memories shape us and the impact of low self-esteem.

The book was divided into two parts that reflect two timelines - the 1990s and 2020s. We are first introduced to Roz as a freshman starting at a prestigious college in Toronto. She is insecure and looking to reinvent herself, having moved from California. She makes fast friends with two ultra cool people, Sue and Lukas (AKA Dutch). She perceives her roommate as a "square" and tries to keep her distance for fear of ruining her college reputation. Things seem to be going pretty well until her roommate disappears during a winter storm, and she becomes the scapegoat. Fast forward to now, Roz and Lukas share an 11 year old son. Lukas, a successful writer of teen books, has been accused of sexual assault. He claims to be innocent, and Roz doesn't believe he could ever do such a thing. Her mind goes back to their history together to see if she can make the pieces fit.

I would describe this book as domestic fiction with an element of suspense. The reader is taken into the MC's life and how her past has shaped her present. My biggest issue was how the MC was beyond insecure and came across as weak and incapable, to the point of having no compassion for others. I kept hoping to see growth and transformation, but she seemed to change very little. This aspect bothered me.

I also couldn't relate to her decision-making at all. Particularly as an adult in her relationship with Lukas. It really didn't make sense. I automatically went to traumatized but there wasn't anything in her backstory to suggest this was a significant issue. Perhaps a better connection between past and present in that way and more character growth would've made this book more relatable and emotional for me.

Thank you #NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Damages, written by Genevieve Scott, is an engrossing novel set during the 1990s, exploring the aftermath of a student's disappearance during an ice storm. The story is woven with themes of memory, trauma, friendship, and the complexities of trust (Goodreads, Goodreads). The narrative is set against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, as the protagonist, Ros, grapples with allegations of sexual misconduct against her former partner, Lukas, the father of her child.

The Damages by Genevieve Scott is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into important societal issues while providing a gripping narrative. Its exploration of memory, trauma, and the impact of the #MeToo movement makes it a relevant and engaging read for those interested in reflecting on the complexities of human relationships and personal growth.

Ros is a freshman at university when an ice storm hits shutting down the school when the power is out everywhere in town. The school enacts a buddy system but somehow her roommate goes missing and she’s on the hook for the disappearance. Everything that happened at this time will follow her into the rest of her life.

This book was billed as general fiction but there is definitely a mystery feel about it. Although in no way a thriller those who enjoy the genre will likely enjoy this book.

Those who may love it the most are readers like me, Gen x and elder millennials who experienced the 1998 Ontario/Quebec (and elsewhere) ice storm in teenage and young adulthood (I remember the excitement of exams being postponed) , can maybe guess which city and school the fictional ones in the story are based on and will relish in that and other nostalgia of the era.

Also anyone for whom the #metoo era has made them rethink experiences they’ve had in the past may enjoy this book for its plot points around consent, respectful relationships and raising children in today’s world). It also delves into the complicatedness of relationships, romantic, parental and friendships.


What I thought from the outside would just be a mystery about the disappearance of a student in the ice storm turned out to be a whole lot more and was an enjoyable quick read I recommend to others.

It took me a while to get invested in this story but once I read past the description of the MCs past behaviour and got to the meat of the story, I began to enjoy it. The book explores the social acceptance of certain sexual and non-sexual behaviours, and how that acceptance has changed.

I thought this was written in an interesting, retrospective way. The mystery aspect was definitely there, but wasn’t purely entertainment and felt real and authentic. It almost had a documentary feel to me. The Damages takes a deeper look at consent, SA, belonging, growing up and how things/opinions can change over the years.
I didn’t find the characters to be overly likeable but that’s what made it feel realistic for me. The nuggets of honesty, even when it wasn’t pretty.
Overall, this was a thought-provoking book that I’d recommend.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for the copy through NetGalley.

While Rosalind was in college, she was a spoiled, untitled brat who didn't think much of others. Fast forward to today she has evolved, but the poor choices she made as a young adult come back to haunt her. She now wishes she was more aware of how her actions played a role in shaping her as a person.
Although it seemed very intriguing after reading the synopsis, this book fell a bit flat for me.
To be honest, I can't even pinpoint what irked me the most. All I can say is that it didn't live up to my expectations.
The MC was insufferable, as most of the supporting characters. It was hard to enjoy the book while rolling my eyes at a good part of the dialogue. Most of the cast was horrible and generally very self-centered, not to mention that they made questionable decisions.
There were a few positive points, but it wasn't enough to make me want to recommend this book to anyone. I must admit that the title is fitting though. It gives readers a good idea what to expect from the book.

This well-written book is much more than a typical mystery or psychological thriller! It surprised me with its sensitive exploration of issues such as trauma, consent, and belonging. I really related to the main character and her efforts to fit in with her peers at university, sometimes hiding her true self. I will definitely watch for more from this author.

I very much enjoyed the first part of this book. Rosalind is very much a person who’s hard to like, and honestly, her whole crew of friends at Regis seemed like such awful, small-minded people. The retrospection in the narration was good at highlighting her selfishness without necessarily redeeming it. I thought later, the way she thinks of her younger self was really similar to how I look back at my own younger self. In the second half of the book, I was also fascinated by her uncertainty about if Lukas was actually responsible vs her own commitment to feminism. It was great for Ros to also eventually see the ugly parts of Lukas and Sue but also the good parts of herself and Val and her mother. What missed for me were the long passages talking about and spelling out the ways in which Ros has moved beyond who she was a now knows better.

Full disclosure - I had an automatic affinity for The Damages as I immediately recognized Regis as my alma mater in disguise. I am a very nostalgic person and absolutely loved my time at uni and specifically my school. I could talk about all the clever pseudonyms and how spot on her descriptions are for days. I am so happy I was out of res for our big ice storm!

And my goodness Genevieve Scott was spot on about murky lines of consent and our naiveite. To be honest, I don’t even recall consent being a "thing." Going to school in the early/mid 2000s "cool girl, mean girl, oversexualization of women in the media and sex and the city" era was a whole experience. Off the top of my head, while at school Lululemon legitimately had a contest where you had to line up outside in your underwear to get free clothes. We had shirts that said "save a car, flip me over"……. And the list goes on.

Back to the book…the Regis scenes were the most compelling to me for obvious reasons. I also think they were the strongest from a plotting perspective. The second half of the book takes on a lot and sometimes the narrative gets a little messy. But life is a little messy too. I would have loved the entire book to take place at Regis, but I'm also completely biased with my combined love of the school and dark academia.

The Damages has stuck with me. While this book won’t be for everyone, any book that makes me reflect and reconsider is time well spent. I look forward to reading Genevieve Scott's next book.

A big thank you to Penguin Random House Canada & NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

This book completely took me by surprise. It was not at all what I was expecting but it luckily managed to exceed my expectations!

I initially picked this up thinking it would be a thriller of sorts (a prestigious university campus setting, a missing roommate, an ice storm of epic proportions... it piqued my interest) but once I realized this was a heavier, deeper read than I was expecting I settled in to embrace the interesting and original story.

Since this takes place just a few years before I myself began university, I found that I was able to relate to this book so much. It brought back a lot of feelings and memories of a bizarre period of time when fitting in was crucial to survival. Being young and vulnerable, on the verge of adulthood, decades before the #metoo movement was ever brought to light... it was a lot, and this well written novel captured the time and sentiment expertly.

I found The Damages to be suspenseful and poignant. A truly thought-provoking and important book.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review!

An engrossing and thought -provoking read!

"The Damages" deals with many important and relevant issues like the #metoo movement, Covid, and more. I found both timelines interesting and I really liked that the story took place in Canada. I didn't care for the main character, Ros at first but as she grew, I found her to be a bit more relatable.

This was an engaging and well-paced read that held my interest. I think this book would be excellent for book clubs. Although the ending was a tad rushed and left me with a couple of unanswered questions, I still thought it was an excellent novel.

I'm looking forward to reading more from Genevieve Scott.

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada, Random House Canada and Genevieve Scott for free e-ARC in return of my honest review.

"The Damages" is a page-turning and thought-provoking novel that delves into the intricate web of lies we tell others and ourselves. The story revolves around Ro, the main character and narrator, as she unravels the mystery behind her roommate's sudden disappearance.

From the very beginning, the author skillfully captures the reader's attention with a captivating narrative. Ro’s introspective voice draws us into her world, where she grapples with her own secrets and the desire for absolution. The author's exploration of the human psyche and the lengths we go to hide our true selves is both intriguing and unsettling.

Ro’s relentless pursuit of answers drives the plot forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The author masterfully weaves together suspense and psychological depth, creating a story that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. The constant twists and turns in the narrative make it difficult to put the book down, as each revelation brings us closer to the truth.

However, while the protagonist's journey is captivating, the relationships between the other characters can feel somewhat strange. The dynamics between Ro and those around her are often ambiguous, leaving readers questioning their true intentions. While this adds an element of mystery to the story, it can also be slightly confusing at times.

One of the novel's strongest themes is the universal desire to fit in. Ro’s actions and motivations are driven by her longing to belong and be accepted. This relatable aspect of the story allows readers to empathize with her struggles and reflect on their own experiences of conformity and self-acceptance.

In conclusion, "The Damages" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex nature of lies and the human desire for absolution. The author's skillful storytelling and well-developed characters make for an engaging read that will keep readers hooked until the very end. While the relationships between the characters may be somewhat peculiar, the overall narrative is a captivating exploration of the human psyche.

The Damages takes an in-depth look at issues of sexual assault and men's abuse of power throughout the decades. It compares the definitions of what was "right" or "wrong" in 1998 vs 2020. The topic of consent is explored as the main character in the book struggles to raise her son to understand true consent, while her ex-husband, a now rich and famous man, battles with accusations of sexual assault that occurred in college, decades earlier. This story delves into the MeToo movement, and how women are often not believed, or accused of lying or exaggerating, in order to "ruin a man's life" or gain a financial incentive.

While this book wasn't perfectly written - for example, the transition between the past and present were a bit abrupt, and some side stories, like the 1998 ice storm and the 2020 pandemic were not necessary to the story as a whole - this book is an excellent discussion-starter for bookclubs, or anyone wishing to delve into important current social issues.

⚠️ Potential trigger warnings: bullying, sexual harassment, rape (may not be an exhaustive list)

🙏 Thank you @netgalley and @penguinrandomca for the gifted electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found it to be a slow burn that built suspense gradually. The main character, Ros, started out to be very unlikeable, but as she began reliving her past, I watched her evolve into someone more in tune with her reality. It shows that we don't have to let the past define us. I would definitely recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

DNF at 100 pages. I really tried to enjoy this one, but unfortunately the main character Ros is extremely annoying, mean and obnoxious for absolutely no reason. I just cannot get into it.

It is 1997 and Ros’s first year of university. Ros has never been part of the “in crowd“ and is wishing university will be different. Ros hopes her roommate might prove to be way in. Unfortunately, Megan thought extremely nice and easy to get along with is a bit too strait laced to be part of the popular set.
Ros does become friends with Supriya Verma known as Sue. Sue turns out to be Ros’s way into one of the cool crowds.
A terrible ice ice storm hits Regis University and the surrounding area after the Christmas break. All students are confined to campus unless they can get home safely. Classes are canceled and the parties begin. After days cooped up in their dorms Ros’s group decides to head into town to go to the only bar that has had their power restored. Since a buddy system has been implemented Ros needs Megan to come along. Megan hesitantly agrees to join the group.
Later that night unbeknownst to Ros, Megan goes missing. All eyes look to Ros as the person responsible for Megan’s disappearance and Ros is dropped from the group.
The story moves to 2020. Ros’s ex, Lukas has been accused of a sexual assault that occurred that fateful night during the ice storm. The accusation brings back many painful memories for Ros and all the guilt she felt at the time.
I liked THE DAMAGES. The characters were realistically portrayed. The story moves at a good pace which keeps the reader wanting to know what is going to happen next.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read an advanced digital version of THE DAMAGES.

This was an interesting read. Set in two distinct times in a woman’s life that carved out her self worth and the acceptances she thought she needs and didn’t get. The emotions she portrayed as a 18 year old rang so true in her quest to be a part of a cool inner circle and the sacrifices she thought she had to make to get there. Loved the Canadian settings and the many conversations the second part of the story opened up about the #metoo movement and how it’s perceived by everyone differently.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc

This book was really good you were never sure where it was headed and finally it all came together. It was very relatable as a teen in the 90s and very accurately showed how times have really changed. Totally recommend this book.

This is a nope for me. And it all has to do with the unlikable main character Ros. No maturity growth between Then and Now. Is it insecurity? Maybe, maybe not.
A lot of strings were left unattached, like what was Megan’s point of view in all this? The end felt rushed and didn’t resolve anything.