A review by zachzakku
Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

What a horrifying book. I thought I should read it slowly, alongside something lighter, but it started giving me nightmares so I binge-read the ending. This was a tough read, especially in the beginning when I was still meeting characters and wrapping my head around the world. What makes it especially terrifying is that all the monsters in this book--abusive men and TERFs--are absolutely real. This book is just what happens when all of life's real monsters stop pretending and do what they really want to do.

From a writing perspective, I think this book is exceptionally well written. It's honest, it digs deep, and we get into all of the main characters' heads in a way that makes their motivations believable. I adore Robbie (of course) and found Ramona fascinating. I think Ramona is meant to represent the average self-proclaimed-but-not-actually-an ally: claims to support trans people, until it's inconvenient for her; never actually does anything; still has the gall to get upset when trans people don't bend over backwards to thank her... Brilliant depiction.

This nightmare-inducing, too-real novel should be required reading. Replace Shakespeare with Manhunt.
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