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katiewhocanread's review
challenging
funny
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexism, Medical content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug abuse and Abortion
Minor: Rape
emtay's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In the tradition of the Japanese I-novel, we follow Sean through multiple seasons of 2018 and 2019 as he confesses to the various ways he has behaved poorly. A self- focused style, Sean’s selfishness can sometimes be all consuming to the reader. We want him to be a better person not because we care, but for our own sake. In this way, we are brought into the role of his friends and family.
As Sean (character) moves on from hoping to publish the walk book into the writing of Fuccboi we see him practice greater self-control and prioritize self-reflection over self-explanation. His practice of writing directly mirrors philosophies explored in the text as to the limits of language and understanding. Sean’s ability to put aside his own ego and engage meaningfully only occurs once he stops explaining why he is the way he is to others. He learns nuance, to a degree.
Sean spends a lot of space and time unpacking the ethics in writing of saying the unsayable. Either because it’s impossible (of the body) or because of its lewdness. Fuccboi toys with this the entire novel. I think of my disdain for Murakami (who is named in this novel for also writing in the I-novel tradition) for this same reason. Some things, while true of the self and therefore valid and natural and good, are not good for me. And that’s valid too.
I found his body rejecting itself as an a adequate turning point in his life as well as the only narrative possibility. I am unsure what else could have been significant enough to prompt him to change. Only a complete physical breakdown could have led to a journey of change and healing. To break the cycles he’s so obsessed with and find a new skin to present to the world. A new body with which to be.
As Sean (character) moves on from hoping to publish the walk book into the writing of Fuccboi we see him practice greater self-control and prioritize self-reflection over self-explanation. His practice of writing directly mirrors philosophies explored in the text as to the limits of language and understanding. Sean’s ability to put aside his own ego and engage meaningfully only occurs once he stops explaining why he is the way he is to others. He learns nuance, to a degree.
Sean spends a lot of space and time unpacking the ethics in writing of saying the unsayable. Either because it’s impossible (of the body) or because of its lewdness. Fuccboi toys with this the entire novel. I think of my disdain for Murakami (who is named in this novel for also writing in the I-novel tradition) for this same reason. Some things, while true of the self and therefore valid and natural and good, are not good for me. And that’s valid too.
I found his body rejecting itself as an a adequate turning point in his life as well as the only narrative possibility. I am unsure what else could have been significant enough to prompt him to change. Only a complete physical breakdown could have led to a journey of change and healing. To break the cycles he’s so obsessed with and find a new skin to present to the world. A new body with which to be.
- Marginalization (societal and self-inflicted)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use and Drug abuse
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