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A review by kierscrivener
PET by Akwaeke Emezi
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
"How do you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist?"
Wonderful worldbuilding, exploration of abuse and a trans lead whose story is not focused on her transition or trauma but just on her life, friendship as she confronts the reality of abuse through a fantastic lense. She is also selectively mute and uses signs to communicate.
I loved the prose and the way that Emezi wrote the story, except I am not sure exactly who the target audience is. I might have missed her exact age but Jam felt young, between 11-13 and yet there is a fair bit of swearing in it. I am not under any delusion that kids that age don't use the f word like it's going out of style, but it felt out of sync with the rest. Especially as even though Emezi deals with heavy subjects like child sexual assault, They make the thoughtful choice to say that 'this isn't a private conversation we need to be privy to' and we hear that 'he no longer wanted to be be bathed and had bruises, and "he'll pay for the bruises and the rest he did" My concern would be that a lot of parents and educators wouldn't want to read this otherwise any age appropriate conversation of sexual abuse because of the coarse language asterisk. Which is really a shame as it is a really needed and accessible way to discuss 'monsters.' They never add drama, or make it gritty for gritty's sake. Instead it is introspective and shows more emotions and quiet moments then the often the mishandling, denial or tragic porn 'representation' we normally get. But I feel like it could be overlooked as it wouldn't be deemed appropriate for middle schoolers and Jam would feel too young to high schoolers.
All in all, Pet is a stellar novel. It is a book I plan to revisit again soon and make notes on. But I would recommend to any age, it is an enjoyable and thought provoking story to read for an adult and I think it presents its themes and topics in a way that is easy to understand and recognize and not preachy for children.
Wonderful worldbuilding, exploration of abuse and a trans lead whose story is not focused on her transition or trauma but just on her life, friendship as she confronts the reality of abuse through a fantastic lense. She is also selectively mute and uses signs to communicate.
I loved the prose and the way that Emezi wrote the story, except I am not sure exactly who the target audience is. I might have missed her exact age but Jam felt young, between 11-13 and yet there is a fair bit of swearing in it. I am not under any delusion that kids that age don't use the f word like it's going out of style, but it felt out of sync with the rest. Especially as even though Emezi deals with heavy subjects like child sexual assault, They make the thoughtful choice to say that 'this isn't a private conversation we need to be privy to' and we hear that 'he no longer wanted to be be bathed and had bruises, and "he'll pay for the bruises and the rest he did" My concern would be that a lot of parents and educators wouldn't want to read this otherwise any age appropriate conversation of sexual abuse because of the coarse language asterisk. Which is really a shame as it is a really needed and accessible way to discuss 'monsters.' They never add drama, or make it gritty for gritty's sake. Instead it is introspective and shows more emotions and quiet moments then the often the mishandling, denial or tragic porn 'representation' we normally get. But I feel like it could be overlooked as it wouldn't be deemed appropriate for middle schoolers and Jam would feel too young to high schoolers.
All in all, Pet is a stellar novel. It is a book I plan to revisit again soon and make notes on. But I would recommend to any age, it is an enjoyable and thought provoking story to read for an adult and I think it presents its themes and topics in a way that is easy to understand and recognize and not preachy for children.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Cursing
Minor: Transphobia and Cursing
the childhood sexual abuse is moderate as it is not graphic or described but is it heavy and centered in the story