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matthew_whiteman's review
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
probably fair to say this is now one of my favourite pieces of nz lit, if not lit full stop. this is the third (?) time i have read this and this time i was much more on board with it as a novel, rather than a series of short stories tied together and marketed as a novel. the first part of this book is, i reckon, flawless. cutting, discomforting, addictive prose from marra that captures so well the precariousness of being a young person fresh out of the tertiary system. the second part lost me for a moment by lingering a little longer than i'd like in childhood stories, but i think these laid good and necessary groundwork for the characterisation of the protag's family members, paying off in the chapters to follow. there's some gross stuff, w ref to body but not in a problematic way, just in im a little uncomfortable right now way. overall, idk, marra's voice is so compelling and distinct in its detachedness, its easy to look past any minor misgivings. read nz lit :)
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Suicide attempt, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Mental illness
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