Review by dpai12 - Julie Chan Is Dead

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dpai12 's review for:

Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang

4.5

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.

Julie and Chloe are identical twins, orphaned at a young age. While Chloe gets adopted by rich white parents, and goes on to become a social media influencer with millions of followers, Julie is raised by her aunt in poverty. Eventually they lose touch with one another, with Julie bitterly acknowledging her twin’s success online. When Chloe dies mysteriously, Julie sort of grabs the opportunity to step in and live Chloe’s life. What ensues is a dark tale exposing the seedy underbelly of fast fame and the influencer life. Julie also takes up the task of investigating her sister’s death, which leads her to some bizarre encounters.

The writing is full of tongue-in cheek satire, often delivering golden monologues and dealing with the themes of race, privilege and power.   The first half of this book made me want to go on a digital detox. It throws a light on the consumerist, exploitative nature of online life, and the quick hits of dopamine these likes and comments offer people. The second half was a different book in itself. It was eerie, absurd, and at one point, even disgusting? To call it sinister would be an understatement.  It’s a commentary on how people are becoming more and more dehumanized, losing their individual identity and obsessing over the most materialistic things in the pursuit of ‘vibe’ and ‘aesthetics’.

This book was unputdownable for me, and I finished it within 2 days!
Make sure to check content warnings before you pick it though.

Content Warnings