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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
As engaging as the whole story was, I think I am most struck by how consumed the writing is in the protagonist's perspective. Juniper's self-centrism, loneliness, and drive, spiraling into her irrational, unhinged, deranged behavior by the end of the story is somehow comprehensible; we somehow understand where Juniper is coming from (and yet totally baffled by how committed she is to the story she tells herself, the lie of authenticity she's convinced herself of).
The commentary on canceling, on diversity, on competition and jealousy, all blend together in this setting of the publishing world. It was a bit uncomfortable at times to read, as a white person, Juniper's internal dialogue, her critiques of Athena (calling Athena herself "diverse", lamenting how difficult it is for white stories to be published, expressing her disgust at several Asian characters in the book with few holds barred). I found myself thinking, Do white people really think these things? Have I thought these things? I'm not like her... am I? Of course, this is part of the complex beauty and efficacy of Kuang's prose: I find myself identifying with the protagonist, horrified and entranced by the worst and most reflective parts of her.
In parts of the story I was unimpressed by the plot's sensationalism; the ending felt not far-fetched, but a bit too predictably shocking, if that makes sense. Still, I could not have anticipated just how far Juniper would go, just how much of herself she would lose to Athena and still not admit it. The present tense of the narration contributes to this illusion; her predictions, her delusions about how she could redeem herself, her image, her career, even to the very last page, are written in the future tense as if they are certain to come true. Her hope is almost admirable, but by the last page, it is more pitiable than anything else. Like a bird with a broken wing, thrashing and flinging herself against the bars of her cage, she keeps trying to fly, and you just want to tell her: let go. Stop trying. It's over.
The commentary on canceling, on diversity, on competition and jealousy, all blend together in this setting of the publishing world. It was a bit uncomfortable at times to read, as a white person, Juniper's internal dialogue, her critiques of Athena (calling Athena herself "diverse", lamenting how difficult it is for white stories to be published, expressing her disgust at several Asian characters in the book with few holds barred). I found myself thinking, Do white people really think these things? Have I thought these things? I'm not like her... am I? Of course, this is part of the complex beauty and efficacy of Kuang's prose: I find myself identifying with the protagonist, horrified and entranced by the worst and most reflective parts of her.
In parts of the story I was unimpressed by the plot's sensationalism; the ending felt not far-fetched, but a bit too predictably shocking, if that makes sense. Still, I could not have anticipated just how far Juniper would go, just how much of herself she would lose to Athena and still not admit it. The present tense of the narration contributes to this illusion; her predictions, her delusions about how she could redeem herself, her image, her career, even to the very last page, are written in the future tense as if they are certain to come true. Her hope is almost admirable, but by the last page, it is more pitiable than anything else. Like a bird with a broken wing, thrashing and flinging herself against the bars of her cage, she keeps trying to fly, and you just want to tell her: let go. Stop trying. It's over.
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars
I understood the message and what was being said but I felt like I was being hit over the head with the message a bit too much. I found most of the characters insufferable which shows good writing because I know that was the point!! Overall, enjoyed this, especially the last few chapters but a bit repetitive in message.
I understood the message and what was being said but I felt like I was being hit over the head with the message a bit too much. I found most of the characters insufferable which shows good writing because I know that was the point!! Overall, enjoyed this, especially the last few chapters but a bit repetitive in message.
dark
tense
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
insane read was hooked from middle to end seeing how miss juniper song spiralled. but rather than a satire book felt like this was more of rf kuang's personal reflection of the publishing industry tho - there was alot of twitter drama tho which personally felt quite eh about. but highkey mc was quite insufferable at the start, and it felt like she ws constantly trying to justify her feelings all the time
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fast, sharp, and intentionally grating—June is unlikeable from the first page. The novel works better as satire than story, skewering publishing’s vanity and the outrage economy of social media. It dragged at times, but it left me seriously thinking about logging off entirely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes