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miniingrid's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Racism and Suicidal thoughts
dembury's review
2.0
Well written and interesting at first, yet I feel like "Girl Oil" lacks any punch. Fong makes clear Chelle's turbulent emotions about her identity, appearance, and overall place in the world, but there is no "so what?" answered. The story ends and I found myself thinking, "...And??" But that's all there was, and it was pretty unsatisfying.
thegoblinempress's review
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Read as part of my challenge to read the Short Story, Novelette, Novella and Novel: Adult shortlists for the 2023 Ignyte Awards.
While I liked Fong's writing and was intrigued by the premise of this one, the ending was a little abrupt and left me a little cold. I'm not entirely sure what the author wanted me to take away from this story, but I imagine it's one that will speak much more to readers from China and the Chinese disapora.
While I liked Fong's writing and was intrigued by the premise of this one, the ending was a little abrupt and left me a little cold. I'm not entirely sure what the author wanted me to take away from this story, but I imagine it's one that will speak much more to readers from China and the Chinese disapora.
sanmeow's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
this short story follows chelle, who wants to be just like her roommate wenqian. when she doesn't get a role she auditioned for, she's told that it's because she's too fat. so, she starts using an oil that changes her body, in hopes that it'll make her better.
i understand that this is a commentary on topics such as beauty standards, body shaming, and the influence beauty products can have on a person not just physically but also mentally. still, i feel like the message isn't strong enough, which might be because of how short this is. overall, i appreciate the message but it's not as memorable as it could've been.
i understand that this is a commentary on topics such as beauty standards, body shaming, and the influence beauty products can have on a person not just physically but also mentally. still, i feel like the message isn't strong enough, which might be because of how short this is. overall, i appreciate the message but it's not as memorable as it could've been.
rahellarad's review
4.0
Something about this piece defies review. There's not really much I can say other than it was heartbreakingly familiar, and yet still felt like I was seeing the past through a stranger's eyes.
One I recommend reading for yourself, just to experience it.
One I recommend reading for yourself, just to experience it.
devynreadsnovels's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Dysphoria, and Suicide
librarianmage's review
dark
emotional
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
alliskarathe's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
i liked this but i agree that for a story meant to inform, ending the story with some equivalent of suic1de, doesnt really send a good message
tw she becomes one with the ocean at the end