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novi's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Some (a lot of?) reviewers said that the protagonist was unlikable and you disagree with her but then she said things that you really agree with, but in my perspective, that's a pious statement lol. So this book is kinda has 2 parts: one about this girl's life (her infidelity and obsession towards this man and this man's other mistress) and one about her (SHARP) thoughts on whiteness from her point of view as a POC. So you know which one you're supposed to agree with and which one you're not. But for me it's not as simple as that bc 1) both parts are interwoven: in structure of this book and in the mind of a complex character; 2) the protagonist was very aware of what she did (her cheating and obsession) were not healthy, it almost felt like what's written on this book is her reflection after everything already happened and now she's not doing all that anymore. So, idk. I sometimes relate to her obsession and posessiveness too, I think it's human and animalistic at the same time, which i feel for time to time but I don't always act on it. So. Sue me. So i think it makes this book feel raw, in that sense.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Stalking
annabella's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
riahxyz's review against another edition
I don’t like single narrative books, and I wanted to give this a go because it sounds so interesting but I couldn’t get over it. Definitely not the books fault.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking
crawforl's review
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Moderate: Racism and Classism
divyab's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
aliciavalenski's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
evanorlando's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
4.0
rated at 3.5 initially
odd. just very odd. not my type of book but it was good. it was like looking into the mind of someone you don't like very much. not the most enjoyable experience but still interesting. quite gross too. wouldn't read again but glad I've read it once.
EDIT
^that is all a lie. that is v much the review i think i am meant to have. i really liked it. maybe that makes me gross but i liked it.
odd. just very odd. not my type of book but it was good. it was like looking into the mind of someone you don't like very much. not the most enjoyable experience but still interesting. quite gross too. wouldn't read again but glad I've read it once.
EDIT
^that is all a lie. that is v much the review i think i am meant to have. i really liked it. maybe that makes me gross but i liked it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking
chronicacademia's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
oz2021's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Stalking
Moderate: Gaslighting
lidia7's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
insightful but repetitive.
classism and race discussion were the highlights for me.
big TWs for infidelity & domestic abuse (physical, emotional, verbal) from the abuser's POV.
while reading about the fucked up relationships the narrator has, i recognized bpd patterns/ tendencies.
overall, i thought i would enjoy it more than i have. too often it felt like a chore to read through.
classism and race discussion were the highlights for me.
big TWs for infidelity & domestic abuse (physical, emotional, verbal) from the abuser's POV.
while reading about the fucked up relationships the narrator has, i recognized bpd patterns/ tendencies.
overall, i thought i would enjoy it more than i have. too often it felt like a chore to read through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, and Classism