A review by gorejoyous
Dykette by Jenny Fran Davis

challenging dark reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I was so excited to begin this book when it opened with a moving passage from "The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions" by Larry Mitchell and ultimately was let down by the mess of dyke drama that followed (think L Word Gen Q levels of overwrought relationship issues). 

While I enjoy Davis' declaritive writing style and the exploration of performance in queer relationships, this story and it's characters are hollow and joyless. And that seems to be a trait common among lit fic or character studies, so if you typically enjoy those sorts of reads, you might enjoy this one. Just keep in mind that it's definitely a "by us, for us" type of novel that doesn't hand hold or try to explain the queer dynamics that get explored. 

Thanks to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the digital ARC!

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