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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
dark
fast-paced
this is like what i make all of my Sims do when i play ts4
(alternative review: normal polycule experience)
(alternative review: normal polycule experience)
This book deeply resonated with my adolescence, highlighting the challenging experience of being a young woman. It delves into the quest for identity amid societal expectations, particularly the struggle to define oneself independently rather than through comparison to or alignment with men. The narrative struck a chord with me, as, much like the protagonist, I too have grappled with shaping my identity based on external opinions and reactions rather than nurturing an authentic, independent personality.
A central theme revolves around the narrator's tendency to assimilate others, seeking approval and, in a way, becoming a reflection of those around her. Conversely, she willingly allows herself to be consumed, shaping her identity to conform to societal expectations. The author skillfully explores the intricate dynamics of relationships, portraying how they can both break and build individuals, leading to a shared journey of self-destruction.
What captivates me about this book is the author's masterful use of concise and enthralling prose, reminiscent of some of my favorite authors such as Ottessa Moshfegh, Jade Song, and Sarah Rose Etter. The narrative draws the reader into a compelling exploration of the complexities of identity, relationships, and the pursuit of self-discovery.
A central theme revolves around the narrator's tendency to assimilate others, seeking approval and, in a way, becoming a reflection of those around her. Conversely, she willingly allows herself to be consumed, shaping her identity to conform to societal expectations. The author skillfully explores the intricate dynamics of relationships, portraying how they can both break and build individuals, leading to a shared journey of self-destruction.
What captivates me about this book is the author's masterful use of concise and enthralling prose, reminiscent of some of my favorite authors such as Ottessa Moshfegh, Jade Song, and Sarah Rose Etter. The narrative draws the reader into a compelling exploration of the complexities of identity, relationships, and the pursuit of self-discovery.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
I was pretty disappointed by this book. The characters lacked depth and I didn't think the writing was very strong. I also noticed multiple typos while reading which was weird. I was intrigued by the title and the cover but overall the book did not leave much of an impression on me. :(
This is going to be a 1.5 stars from me. It was unfortunate to read this book back to back with "Exalted" because both of them ooze a specific type of hedonistic, nihilistic ennui that I quite frankly find exhausting right now. Our unnamed narrator fucks every person in her orbit, points out that she's 98 lbs and loves the feeling of her hip bones, muses about her love of sex coming from needing to be wanted, talks endlessly of her Daddy Issues(TM) and abruptly gets obsessed with the supremely average dude in her 3-way relationship (after seeming far more invested in Frances?? Where did this come from?) There were a million references to how dark and twisted and shocking "Lilith's" relationship with Matt and Frankie was, but few specifics, and the pacing of the book felt jarring. I could never track how Lilith's feelings were growing over the course of this mostly aimless and (to me) emotionally empty novel.
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-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
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well-written, dark, and engaging, but I feel like I need to take a shower after reading it. Not for the faint of heart.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Elle Nash is particularly gifted when it comes to capturing the despair that swallows up young people in small towns across middle America. The struggles that young adults face in these towns are ones that I saw up close and personal, and I count myself very lucky to have not fallen into those traps myself.
With Animals Eat Each Other, the unnamed narrator is the epitome of a disaffected person just shy of turning 20 who doesn't know yet that life is going to be a slow but steady decline with each new day.
She has dreams of escaping, but doesn't know who she is. Her father died an alcoholic, and her mother is overworked and overmedicated. She's searching for attention from anyone who will give it to her, and ends up dating Matt and Frankie, a couple with a new infant son. Of course, Matt and Frankie are every bit as damaged as she is, but that's how the neverending cycle perpetuates itself.
This is a bleak book, but it feels very real in a brutal way. These types of early-2000s stories in real life more often than not didn't have happy endings, and neither did this book. The honesty and authenticity here is glowing.
With Animals Eat Each Other, the unnamed narrator is the epitome of a disaffected person just shy of turning 20 who doesn't know yet that life is going to be a slow but steady decline with each new day.
She has dreams of escaping, but doesn't know who she is. Her father died an alcoholic, and her mother is overworked and overmedicated. She's searching for attention from anyone who will give it to her, and ends up dating Matt and Frankie, a couple with a new infant son. Of course, Matt and Frankie are every bit as damaged as she is, but that's how the neverending cycle perpetuates itself.
This is a bleak book, but it feels very real in a brutal way. These types of early-2000s stories in real life more often than not didn't have happy endings, and neither did this book. The honesty and authenticity here is glowing.