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thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC
The Girls in Queens is an interestingly structured book that simmers with tension and buildup throughout to culminate in a thematically explosive conclusion.
This has both pros and cons. For the latter, the mounting tension means at least the first 60% of the book is a little slow, with some chapters and scenes that I feel could be tightened up more to improve the pacing. While some significant scenes do happen in the 1996-2001 timelines, they come in fits and starts amid otherwise seemingly typical days of youth. Brisma and Brian's will-they-won't-they in the 2006 timeline also gets old pretty quick because it feels like an endless loop.
Another thing that really irks me throughout the book is the overly liberal line breaks for dialogues - despite them being said by the same character - and the lack of mention of which quotes is said by whom, making reading certain interactions very confusing at times; I had to try to make sense of them by reading the previous and next lines, and I wish this aspect of the writing would be less sloppy.
Nonetheless, the novel has an interesting - and effective - structure that helps amp up anticipation and mystery, in addition to providing much insight and clarity to the characters and their growth. The characters are also multidimensional, which is a notable feat especially considering how, despite knowing some of them are flat out wrong in their heinous actions and viewpoints, I also understand where they're coming from.
My favorite thing about this book is perhaps how deliciously complex it is, whether it be the depiction and exploration of the patriarchy at work: how messed up views and actions both big and small encountered by women since young in every imaginable environment essentially socialize and desensitize them to the awfulness of it all, most unfortunate of all how some - like Kelly - resort to this as an ironic survival mechanism that also makes them blind or indifferent to other disturbing actions. I also like how Torres illustrates the complexity of sexual assault and allegations in communities of color, where intersectionality is always at play.
Overall, despite its few shortcomings, this is a great debut novel with complexity - be it in terms of characters, structure or themes - and a stirring yet disturbingly relatable story.
The Girls in Queens is an interestingly structured book that simmers with tension and buildup throughout to culminate in a thematically explosive conclusion.
This has both pros and cons. For the latter, the mounting tension means at least the first 60% of the book is a little slow, with some chapters and scenes that I feel could be tightened up more to improve the pacing. While some significant scenes do happen in the 1996-2001 timelines, they come in fits and starts amid otherwise seemingly typical days of youth. Brisma and Brian's will-they-won't-they in the 2006 timeline also gets old pretty quick because it feels like an endless loop.
Another thing that really irks me throughout the book is the overly liberal line breaks for dialogues - despite them being said by the same character - and the lack of mention of which quotes is said by whom, making reading certain interactions very confusing at times; I had to try to make sense of them by reading the previous and next lines, and I wish this aspect of the writing would be less sloppy.
Nonetheless, the novel has an interesting - and effective - structure that helps amp up anticipation and mystery, in addition to providing much insight and clarity to the characters and their growth. The characters are also multidimensional, which is a notable feat especially considering how, despite knowing some of them are flat out wrong in their heinous actions and viewpoints, I also understand where they're coming from.
My favorite thing about this book is perhaps how deliciously complex it is, whether it be the depiction and exploration of the patriarchy at work: how messed up views and actions both big and small encountered by women since young in every imaginable environment essentially socialize and desensitize them to the awfulness of it all, most unfortunate of all how some - like Kelly - resort to this as an ironic survival mechanism that also makes them blind or indifferent to other disturbing actions. I also like how Torres illustrates the complexity of sexual assault and allegations in communities of color, where intersectionality is always at play.
Overall, despite its few shortcomings, this is a great debut novel with complexity - be it in terms of characters, structure or themes - and a stirring yet disturbingly relatable story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Infidelity
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racism, Sexual content, Rape, Sexual assault, and Pedophilia
Minor: Terminal illness, Abandonment, Death, Death of parent, War, Car accident, and Homophobia
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