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kaltain's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Misogyny, Blood, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Rape, Suicide attempt, Child abuse, Cursing, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Alcohol, Bullying, and Vomit
tesslw's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
TW; rape, sexual assault, sexual content, self harm, emotional abuse / manipulation, alcoholism, suicide attempt, fatphobia
This book is one of the most atrocious things I have read in terms of content, outlining the dynamics within a sickeningly manipulative and emotionally abusive relationship - but it is also one of the most compelling and stunning books I have read in both style and delivery.
Magma is the story of Lilja, a 20-year old woman deeply in love with her boyfriend (whose name we never learn). On the surface he appears charming, handsome and educated, with a strong moral compass (a vegetarian, no less!) - but as we progress through the novel and Lilja recounts his behaviours as they become increasingly obsessive and overbearing, it seems clear that these troubles are not fleeting and are only growing steadily worse. As Lilja perpetually bends to his will and becomes ever more submissive and self deprecating, Magma becomes progressively harder to read, but also increasingly powerful thematically.
At just over 200 pages and written in short, punchy vignettes this is incredibly easy to devour; I did so in a single afternoon sitting, finding myself squirming at increasingly regular intervals but unable to tear myself away from the story. This book is absolutely peppered with content warnings (so much so that they’re actually printed on the book - that’s how you KNOW it’s heavy) so please please be aware that this is not a read for everyone. It’s brutal and harrowing but it’s also hauntingly poetic. This does not glamourize abuse of power. Not for a single second. It simply shines a spotlight on the power of desperate infatuation and loss of identity to another person in a way that stays with you long after you’ve put the book down. I’ve heard this compared strongly to Boy Parts and Acts of Desperation, so if you’ve read and enjoyed either, this might be one for you to consider picking up.
This book is one of the most atrocious things I have read in terms of content, outlining the dynamics within a sickeningly manipulative and emotionally abusive relationship - but it is also one of the most compelling and stunning books I have read in both style and delivery.
Magma is the story of Lilja, a 20-year old woman deeply in love with her boyfriend (whose name we never learn). On the surface he appears charming, handsome and educated, with a strong moral compass (a vegetarian, no less!) - but as we progress through the novel and Lilja recounts his behaviours as they become increasingly obsessive and overbearing, it seems clear that these troubles are not fleeting and are only growing steadily worse. As Lilja perpetually bends to his will and becomes ever more submissive and self deprecating, Magma becomes progressively harder to read, but also increasingly powerful thematically.
At just over 200 pages and written in short, punchy vignettes this is incredibly easy to devour; I did so in a single afternoon sitting, finding myself squirming at increasingly regular intervals but unable to tear myself away from the story. This book is absolutely peppered with content warnings (so much so that they’re actually printed on the book - that’s how you KNOW it’s heavy) so please please be aware that this is not a read for everyone. It’s brutal and harrowing but it’s also hauntingly poetic. This does not glamourize abuse of power. Not for a single second. It simply shines a spotlight on the power of desperate infatuation and loss of identity to another person in a way that stays with you long after you’ve put the book down. I’ve heard this compared strongly to Boy Parts and Acts of Desperation, so if you’ve read and enjoyed either, this might be one for you to consider picking up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Pregnancy
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