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annreadsabook's review against another edition
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
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I think folks, like me, who liked Yellowface but found that book to not quite hit it out of the park will really enjoy this one. VICTIM examines the exploitation of POC trauma for personal gain, particularly when it comes to accessing elite, predominantly white spaces. The question is who these trauma stories serve, whether they're reductionist narratives that paint individuals as mere objects without agency.
This is a great book for those who love an unlikable character--the narrator has few, if any, redeeming characteristics but instead is used as a means of thinking through what it means to be a "victim." This is not going to be a book that you can consume idly, though; it forces readers to think critically about the themes presented and does not force anyone to come to any conclusions. I think the last couple of pages tied everything up a little too neatly but other than that, I don't have too many complaints!
Thanks so much to Doubleday for the gifted ARC!
This is a great book for those who love an unlikable character--the narrator has few, if any, redeeming characteristics but instead is used as a means of thinking through what it means to be a "victim." This is not going to be a book that you can consume idly, though; it forces readers to think critically about the themes presented and does not force anyone to come to any conclusions. I think the last couple of pages tied everything up a little too neatly but other than that, I don't have too many complaints!
Thanks so much to Doubleday for the gifted ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Gun violence
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