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versmonesprit's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
These fictionalised memoirs were at first OK, but the second I realised they all followed the same format and had the exact same tone, the repetitiveness became deathly boring — and this happened before half-way through the book.
I would have loved to elaborate, but this was one of those books that made me genuinely furious: I couldn’t stand Babitz’s disgusting racism and misogyny. If she wasn’t a jealous, bitter, nasty hypocrite whose entire personality was being from and living in Los Angeles, and who exuded nothing but “pick me” energy, she sure did one hell of a job Wattpad-writing a villain.
If you’re still fine with reading a woman berate other women for their appearances, their makeup and perfume, or pit women against each other — overall be evil to women… the casual racism is truly sickening.
And if you still think you’d be fine with these issues because Babitz is dead so she can no longer profit off being evil (which I believe is OK, I also read a lot of dead white men who would tie for record-breaking gold if racism and misogyny were Olympic sports) don’t say I didn’t warn you: these stories are choppy, pointless, and artless. Literally, not a single saving grace.
Oh and the author of Sweetbitter wrote an equally racially insensitive introduction to this book, so at least the one thing Black Swans added to my life was providing me with the best reason to take Sweetbitter off my TBR list.
I would have loved to elaborate, but this was one of those books that made me genuinely furious: I couldn’t stand Babitz’s disgusting racism and misogyny. If she wasn’t a jealous, bitter, nasty hypocrite whose entire personality was being from and living in Los Angeles, and who exuded nothing but “pick me” energy, she sure did one hell of a job Wattpad-writing a villain.
If you’re still fine with reading a woman berate other women for their appearances, their makeup and perfume, or pit women against each other — overall be evil to women… the casual racism is truly sickening.
And if you still think you’d be fine with these issues because Babitz is dead so she can no longer profit off being evil (which I believe is OK, I also read a lot of dead white men who would tie for record-breaking gold if racism and misogyny were Olympic sports) don’t say I didn’t warn you: these stories are choppy, pointless, and artless. Literally, not a single saving grace.
Oh and the author of Sweetbitter wrote an equally racially insensitive introduction to this book, so at least the one thing Black Swans added to my life was providing me with the best reason to take Sweetbitter off my TBR list.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Racism
Moderate: Drug abuse
Minor: Eating disorder, Cancer, Car accident, Child abuse, Death of parent, Self harm, and Death
hannahlouise_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
this is my first book of Eve Babitz’ i read - i went in expecting Joan Didion and while she is definitely not Didionesque, she recounts a different LA + one that was really interesting to read
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Misogyny, Sexual content, Addiction, Alcoholism, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Drug use, Drug abuse, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
seabirdlorna's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Death
Moderate: Police brutality and Violence
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