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micardila's review
challenging
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
Thematically, this book explores the power of controlling our own narrative, ethical curiosity and rebellion, the tension being body and mind (material and immaterial experience), and how stories can help reveal or test our natures.
This book is easier to read/digest when approached from a lens of cultural and moral study. While there is a point driving the story forward, the mystery plot is more of a catalyst than the point of the novel. The novel suffers from not having a driving plot. It's structure of various POVs keeps the story from ever really taking its full form.
There are trigger warnings for this book: sexual abuse, pedophilia, rape, self harm, to name a few. Some of these are told from first person POV, so it will test your experience....which I think is kind of the point. Once I figured this out, I tended to skim these parts or skip altogether. And that's okay! Again, the book is exploring these ethical and personal themes around these subjects, and I think it's a good sign if you are disgusted and want to skim/skip.
I'm still thinking about the themes and content matter and whether the shock value is successful in delivering it. I think to some extent yes because it is the reader experience during these scenes that the book is commenting on...the fact that many of these happen during the metafiction is further proof of that.
Anyway, this was challenging and one of the first books I ever had to put down for a bit before coming back to. I wouldn't say it was an enjoyable read. It did, however, get me thinking about certain topics/themes and our role in them, so for that I give it 2 stars reflecting my experience.
This book is easier to read/digest when approached from a lens of cultural and moral study. While there is a point driving the story forward, the mystery plot is more of a catalyst than the point of the novel. The novel suffers from not having a driving plot. It's structure of various POVs keeps the story from ever really taking its full form.
There are trigger warnings for this book: sexual abuse, pedophilia, rape, self harm, to name a few. Some of these are told from first person POV, so it will test your experience....which I think is kind of the point. Once I figured this out, I tended to skim these parts or skip altogether. And that's okay! Again, the book is exploring these ethical and personal themes around these subjects, and I think it's a good sign if you are disgusted and want to skim/skip.
I'm still thinking about the themes and content matter and whether the shock value is successful in delivering it. I think to some extent yes because it is the reader experience during these scenes that the book is commenting on...the fact that many of these happen during the metafiction is further proof of that.
Anyway, this was challenging and one of the first books I ever had to put down for a bit before coming back to. I wouldn't say it was an enjoyable read. It did, however, get me thinking about certain topics/themes and our role in them, so for that I give it 2 stars reflecting my experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Incest, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Excrement, Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Pedophilia, Child abuse, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Suicide and Animal cruelty
seaweed657's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Incest, Dysphoria, Self harm, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Rape, Body horror, Excrement, Sexual violence, Suicide, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Torture
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