Reviews

But the Girl by Jessica Zhan Mei Yu

maybe_nell's review

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I read the entire thing without realising that at no point her name is mentioned. Very effective in hindsight though.

anaabo's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

kaileehaong's review against another edition

DNF’d — slow, could not get into it. 

themarkword's review

4.0

Thoughtful, poignant, with a lot of Sylvia Plath. Having not read Plath, I feel as though I am missing a key portion of this novel. I liked it, regardless

nice99's review

reflective slow-paced

3.5

The book was okay, it promised more than it could deliver. The mix between personal recollections and actual plot was unbalanced and ended up with leaving me wanting more. I wish certain parts were more extensive rather than just briefly touched upon. Feels unfinished. 

daniellehelen's review

adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

liberty_bojangles's review

3.0

Girl is preparing a PhD on the work of Sylvia Plath and has been awarded a scholarship for a residency in Scotland. Born into a Malaysian-Chinese family who moved to Australia the day before her birth, a Girl must carry the legacy of her parents’ country but also find her own identity. Where is the balance between the straight-A student and the messy and unfocused young woman ? The scholarship will take her away from her family, allowing her to understand better what they mean to her. She also develops a strange friendship with one of the other guest artists, which makes Girl uneasy and lost. Reflexions on the meaning of family, male behaviour, skin colour and being a writer swirl in this fresh coming-of-age novel.

https://redheadwithabrain.ch/index.php/2024/02/23/but-the-girl-jessica-zhan-mei-yu-2023/

sincerelymendacious's review against another edition

emotional reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

zozvix's review against another edition

dark emotional funny mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

audreyng_29's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia