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challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really struggled with the narration in the book, but the stories of the individual characters and their choices were compelling for me. Lots of parallels to our current world; good food for thought.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Colonisation, Classism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Violence, Colonisation
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed most of this book, except for its ending which left me dissatisfied due to the unresolved plotlines. The book concluded on a frustrating cliffhanger, and while I have questions, I won't delve into them to avoid spoiling the experience for potential readers.
Several issues stood out to me. The initial concepts introduced in the beginning weren't consistently developed throughout the story. Some monologues were overly lengthy and felt unnecessary. The book featured an abundance of different points of view (POVs), including four women highlighted in the synopsis and an additional three introduced later on. This accumulation of seven distinct POVs lacked clear labeling, making it confusing to follow. Moreover, the portrayal of perspectives from transgender and black women felt underdeveloped, particularly concerning the challenges they might face, such as the amplified backlash a black woman might encounter compared to a white woman in a position of power. Proper research into these experiences, particularly within corporate America, would have enhanced authenticity. Additionally, certain conflicts were resolved too hastily.
Despite these criticisms, I found several intriguing aspects. The book effectively weaved in satirical elements, providing a thought-provoking exploration of feminism and the essence of womanhood. As someone who identifies as a feminist, I found my understanding evolving while reading, thanks to the author's impactful influence. The author possesses a remarkable command of language, crafting immersive settings and evoking genuine emotions from the characters. Even the perspectives of the antagonists were engrossing, prompting me to reflect on my own notions of feminism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Transphobia, Pregnancy, Classism
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Medical content, Medical trauma
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse