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A review by kt2e56
Biography of X by Catherine Lacey
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Really well crafted.
Actually feels like a real biography and the author does a great job mixing the real world with her own alternate version of history to really convince you of X and this story. Speaking of the alternate United States of this book, I like that it wasn’t spelled out right away but a gradual reveal about 10% or so into the book. It was like a punch in the gut once the Southern Territory was revealed.
Also a really gorgeous portrait of a woman (the fictional author) struggling to make sense of not only her marriage but of the abuse she endured and whether or not it was true (like some of the folks she interviews seem to be suggesting) that *her* suffering and the way she was treated was justified because it fueled art.
It’s common for victims to blame themselves or feel like they deserved to be treated badly or were lucky to be with their abusive but often more charismatic partner.
Just a really, really thought provoking book and I think it’s going to stay with me for awhile.
Actually feels like a real biography and the author does a great job mixing the real world with her own alternate version of history to really convince you of X and this story. Speaking of the alternate United States of this book, I like that it wasn’t spelled out right away but a gradual reveal about 10% or so into the book. It was like a punch in the gut once the Southern Territory was revealed.
Also a really gorgeous portrait of a woman (the fictional author) struggling to make sense of not only her marriage but of the abuse she endured and whether or not it was true (like some of the folks she interviews seem to be suggesting) that *her* suffering and the way she was treated was justified because it fueled art.
It’s common for victims to blame themselves or feel like they deserved to be treated badly or were lucky to be with their abusive but often more charismatic partner.
Just a really, really thought provoking book and I think it’s going to stay with me for awhile.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexual violence, War, Mental illness, Police brutality, and Self harm