Scan barcode
jaclyn_sixminutesforme's review against another edition
3.0
This is part coming-of-age, part contemporary romance - but with quite a dark angle. We’re following Roxana after she graduates high school and embarks on an exchange program - she had applied to go to Paris with her best friend, but through a series of events ends up in Denmark instead. Conceptually this reminded me a lot of THE IDIOT by Elif Batuman, without the circular interior monologue that I felt really stopped me connecting with that narrative. I found this compelling for the most part, though the narrative lost me as it neared the end.
What worked for me was a lot of the social consciousness that emerged in the narrative towards the end - discussions about racism and the experience of asylum seekers and immigrants in Europe. I also thought the intimacy and complexities of physical relationships were really well written.
I finished the novel feeling perplexed and without resolution of some of the symbolism and character threads being followed through, I felt there were hints to issues (particularly with Roxana’s best friend) that needed a little more fleshing out.
Thanks to Grove for a review copy.
What worked for me was a lot of the social consciousness that emerged in the narrative towards the end - discussions about racism and the experience of asylum seekers and immigrants in Europe. I also thought the intimacy and complexities of physical relationships were really well written.
I finished the novel feeling perplexed and without resolution of some of the symbolism and character threads being followed through, I felt there were hints to issues (particularly with Roxana’s best friend) that needed a little more fleshing out.
Thanks to Grove for a review copy.
gingerohsnapp's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
gracekeltner's review against another edition
3.0
The unhinged Melissa Broder girlies would love this
marahhawkins's review against another edition
2.0
The synopsis had me interested, and the book kept my attention for the most part, very very strange book. ut It was missing the peak. It was very one level. I think the point was this young girl was finding herself but never felt like it truly got there. Not a great ending.
michelempls's review against another edition
4.0
This story really moved me-Roxanne, the protaganist, experiences a flourishing of her sexual nature and at times I found myself in tears over the beautiful, bittersweet expression of love and loss.
hillarydanielle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
5.0
Couldn’t put it down. Loved the imagery of not only opening up your self sexually but opening up your heart to new love, opening your horizons to new experiences and cultures around the world, opening your mind to know people for who they truly are and not the narrow-minded impressions others may have about them.
This young woman had A very healthy relationship with her body, her weight, and her sexuality until her parents, friends, and parents tried to shame her. But I feel like she remained true to herself regardless of all this and remained open to healthier friendships and relationships in the future.
This young woman had A very healthy relationship with her body, her weight, and her sexuality until her parents, friends, and parents tried to shame her. But I feel like she remained true to herself regardless of all this and remained open to healthier friendships and relationships in the future.
abby_writes's review against another edition
5.0
Mostly this book is a a coming of age story that openly discusses a young woman discovering her own body and desires, leading her to engage in relationships with two older men on her summer abroad. However, it also tackles immigration, racism, classism, openly discusses menstruation, and has some really interesting writing.
bookishcassie's review against another edition
3.0
This book was frustrating to read. I’m trying to understand how I deeply connected to the characters, but also sort of hated the plot line. Hm.
booksnbrains's review
3.0
I generally don't like books without a clear plot, or at least some semblance of plot, but I'm giving this one a bit of a pass because of the author's handling of the subject matter. This is the story of a young woman fresh out of high school trying to find her way in the world. She spends the summer following graduation in Denmark, where she learns a bit more about life than she was completely ready for. I particularly enjoyed the author's exploration of xenophobia; we (or at least I) often think of Scandanavian countries as being rather open, but that is not the case for the supporting character in this book. Given the wave of nationalism sweeping the globe, it shouldn't have come as such as surprise. Overall, this is a beautiful portrait of one's girls awakening to the world around her. Recommended for those that would like to read something thought-provoking but not necessarily plot-driven. Did I mention it was hella sexy?