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man_duh's review
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Deeply darkly honest innermost thoughts of a woman who seems to have it all together on the surface but is crumbling apart.
Beautifully and often time embarrassingly raw in a way that makes you feel less alone in the terrible thoughts that may cross your mind. Vivian isn’t the villain nor is she someone to root for she is just a person. A fully flawed person who at times leans too far into the racial and sexual bias when at others leans too far back in allowing actual grace for herself. A look into how we would all be perceived if our lives were out in the open.
Personally connected to Vivian’s ptsd and hyper vigilance, use of fantasies to cope and frustration with others who “had it easier.” Even the constant body image inner monologues created a needed discomfort and put the reader in Vivian’s thoughts. Covers interesting and heavy topics so wonderfully and never makes it feel that the character’s opinions are the only/right choice.
Beautifully and often time embarrassingly raw in a way that makes you feel less alone in the terrible thoughts that may cross your mind. Vivian isn’t the villain nor is she someone to root for she is just a person. A fully flawed person who at times leans too far into the racial and sexual bias when at others leans too far back in allowing actual grace for herself. A look into how we would all be perceived if our lives were out in the open.
Personally connected to Vivian’s ptsd and hyper vigilance, use of fantasies to cope and frustration with others who “had it easier.” Even the constant body image inner monologues created a needed discomfort and put the reader in Vivian’s thoughts. Covers interesting and heavy topics so wonderfully and never makes it feel that the character’s opinions are the only/right choice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Eating disorder, Dysphoria, Fatphobia, Suicidal thoughts, Body shaming, Drug use, and Mental illness
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