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bookishmillennial's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
I love Anna-Marie McLemore, but I felt this book was rushed and lacked the focus and execution I wanted in the final act😭 I of course agree with the overarching message of this book, that there is a deep misogyny in the ways we relentlessly instill harmful messaging into young girls especially. Almost to the point of their own destruction. However, the lack of clarity surrounding *how* this was happening was frustrating to me.
I loved the representation of Isla as an intersex Latina girl from a family with “new money” — her ruminations on “will I ever be enough of a girl for folks?” were devastating and pushed her into deeper isolation. Her connection with Paz was lovely, not because you need validation from others, but because ultimately, we are all only human. Paz didn’t need further explanation beyond what Isla felt comfortable sharing, and even that simple act helped Isla to feel braver and stand taller in her body, which she’s always held complicated feelings about.
I also wouldn’t call this a horror — I’d more so say this was magical realism and literary fiction. The horror aspects were a bit subdued, like of course it’s horrifying to find girls with dried blood on them and who have diamonds as teeth. I didn’t feel particularly creeped out or scared for Isla though. I always felt Isla was moreso curious and never in any danger, which is explained a bit at the end. However, as I mentioned before, the ending was quite rushed and lacked detailed explanations to me.
Overall, AML’s writing is lush, descriptive, and atmospheric. I highlighted so much, as it flowed effortlessly, and I deeply admire their writing. However, I will try out their other works as this was not my favorite. Regardless though, I would love to see this optioned and adapted for a film, as it would be neat to see this come to life onscreen.
I love Anna-Marie McLemore, but I felt this book was rushed and lacked the focus and execution I wanted in the final act😭 I of course agree with the overarching message of this book, that there is a deep misogyny in the ways we relentlessly instill harmful messaging into young girls especially. Almost to the point of their own destruction. However, the lack of clarity surrounding *how* this was happening was frustrating to me.
I loved the representation of Isla as an intersex Latina girl from a family with “new money” — her ruminations on “will I ever be enough of a girl for folks?” were devastating and pushed her into deeper isolation. Her connection with Paz was lovely, not because you need validation from others, but because ultimately, we are all only human. Paz didn’t need further explanation beyond what Isla felt comfortable sharing, and even that simple act helped Isla to feel braver and stand taller in her body, which she’s always held complicated feelings about.
I also wouldn’t call this a horror — I’d more so say this was magical realism and literary fiction. The horror aspects were a bit subdued, like of course it’s horrifying to find girls with dried blood on them and who have diamonds as teeth. I didn’t feel particularly creeped out or scared for Isla though. I always felt Isla was moreso curious and never in any danger, which is explained a bit at the end. However, as I mentioned before, the ending was quite rushed and lacked detailed explanations to me.
Overall, AML’s writing is lush, descriptive, and atmospheric. I highlighted so much, as it flowed effortlessly, and I deeply admire their writing. However, I will try out their other works as this was not my favorite. Regardless though, I would love to see this optioned and adapted for a film, as it would be neat to see this come to life onscreen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Body horror, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Child abuse, Classism, Dysphoria, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, and Abandonment
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