A review by scarroll178
Didn't Nobody Give a Shit What Happened to Carlotta by James Hannaham

challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

The first part where Carlotta comes home is mind blowing. I love the changing POV between 3rd POV and 1st POV. I think it really shows just how strong and self-defined Carlotta is, that her personality can’t even be contained by a 3rd person POV. Yet, it also shows just how strong and volatile her feelings are, that they can’t be contained by the narrative, either. She’s a strong person who has been, and is going through, a lot. I also think the title is genius: nobody gave a shit what happened to Carlotta, as in, nobody gave a shit what happened to CARLOTTA because they don’t accept the woman she is; nobody gave a shit what happened to Carlotta, as in, nobody gave a shit what happened to Carlotta while she was in prison; nobody gave a shit what happened to Carlotta, as in, nobody gave a shit how their actions would affect Carlotta’s future; nobody gave a shit what happened to Carlotta, as in, even CO’s assaulted her and even the PO who said they were on the same side didn’t help her and even her own family didn’t throw her a real coming home party. 

I think the middle-end of the book lags a bit. I wish more things had gotten resolved, like
Carlotta’s relationship with her son and Jasmine.
However, I understand that the main point of the book is just how much of Carlotta’s own life is outside of her control, so a lot of things WON’T ever get resolved. 

Very challenging to read at times, especially with the run-on sentences (definitely NOT complaining though; in this case, run-on sentences aren’t errors; they’re a stylistic writing choice that adds to the feeling of chaos in Carlotta’s life). Just know that it’s a challenging book before you pick it up. 
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