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caroisreading's review
- 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
4.5
It's a series of short, satisfying chapters documenting our protagonist's affair with a married man, her infatuation with the other woman he's also cheating with, and commentary on racism, capitalism, sexism binding it all together. Everything felt so personal, like thoughts ripped straight from my head -- my minority-complex inferiority to the white woman ideal, my inferiority to a man who doesn't want me but wants to use me, my desperation to belong to something built against me, my fertility as a weapon and as a release.
Sheena Patel's writing is so incredibly addicting, and while it mimics a kind of Gen Z tone, it's grounded with a raw hopelessness that I haven't felt from reading in a while.
You'll enjoy this is you want to read more themes on modern relationships, race and female perspectives.
Moderate: Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
ewwa18's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Infidelity
Moderate: Racism and Stalking
bookwormteddy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Moderate: Racism, Sexual content, and Stalking
Minor: Domestic abuse
nats_world23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny and Stalking
nicilaui's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Cursing, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Misogyny, Bullying, Gaslighting, Stalking, and Cultural appropriation
kaitisbooknook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Stalking and Xenophobia
lena04's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Stalking
novi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
That aside, i love the writing. This book has basically no plot, but i enjoyed the journey. I underlined SO much. Her criticism about white supremacy, patriarchy, influencer and wellness culture were sharp, witty, and refreshing. Would love to read more from this author.
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Stalking
annabella's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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.
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
riahxyz's review against another edition
Graphic: Stalking