Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - I'm a Fan

This book is so multi-dimensional and yet so simply limited to one voice that I often had to re-read paragraphs to put everything into perspective. This novel is utterly honest with a macabre brutality in how a person can lose themselves in a toxic relationship while behaving toxic too. Patel has also incorporated an incredible amount of socio-critical approaches, such as racism, sexism and the fake nature of social media. The protagonist stays in those harmful structures even though she knows them inside out. Patel wrote this paradoxical mechanism in such a unique way that it makes this novel extraordinary. You also learn a lot about the creative industry and about art itself. There is no real structure to the often extremely short chapters. You should just go with the flow and not expect anything. This is not a usual reading experience causing why this book may not be for everyone. I personally didn’t like the ending so sadly no 5 stars. This has nothing to do with the quality of the book, it’s just a personal down grade.

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zenaaqilla's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This nameless main character woman in her 30s is one of the most fun characters for me to follow. It's so painful and bleak at times to a point that it made me LOL. Genuinely concerned for the main character but her careless choices made it fun for the plot (if there was one).

I love how its written in such short chapters that mimics her obsessive behavior and it makes us wonder more and more as we jump from one chapter to another. It also touched on a lot of important issues such as race, gender, and class as well is how it played out in a setting of modern 'romance' and social media.

LOVE this book! Definitely one to remember and I can't believe this was a debut novel? Can't wait for her future releases 🤍

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bethantg's review against another edition

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dark reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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annabella's review against another edition

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dark funny medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I originally tried this in audiobook format but couldn’t engage, this time in paperback I got into the words so easily and loved it from the beginning. I think physically I could understand the short ‘chapter’ format more and I really liked its disjointedness, its originality from a usual linear novel but instead a bit like snapshots or entries into this person’s life.

I found it hilarious and how unhinged this person was. I think because of my own experience it resonates and it’s so specific I was laughing out loud at points (reading reviews that felt deeply disturbed by this character and felt they were unlikeable is also interesting). The anonymity and the use of ‘I’ vs ‘i’ is really clever. I also really loved the bits of critique towards race and power dynamics. I felt some sympathy towards the deranged character in this world of harsh power and white supremacy that makes her behaviour a lot more complex than just her being a total weirdo creep. I think it was approached with sensitivity and empathy!

It’s 5 stars for me because it felt so original and nuanced and I think I’ll struggle to find a book like it.

I want to read this book again (doesn’t have to be for a while) and buy it too.

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ky_sar_'s review against another edition

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Narrator in unhealthy mindset, lots of infidelity, not feel good in any way

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crawforl's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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elizabethgreads's review against another edition

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dark reflective 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

1.5

There was an attempt made for social commentary regarding fan culture, and people feeling like they don't fit in and comparing themselves to social media influencers. How ever this was not done well. The writing was so distant that it was hard to really get connected to the characters. She also tried to make commentary on race and opportunity however the main characters selfishness, jealously, and bitterness ended up coming across whinny rather than thought out and poignant. None of the characters were named just stated their relationship to the main character. Written in short vignettes which didn't quite work well for the narrative. I thought what the author was attempting to do was a worth while endeavor however the execution was lacking. There was no character growth which was a huge let down.

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divyab's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved the structure and the exploration of a number of topics including -- whiteness and proximity to whiteness, class, wealth, capitalism et al. I think it did a very good job of setting up the main character as someone who has very little power in relation to the other characters. It also explores influencer culture and fame. Also, love and obsession.

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