A review by wallanderem
Boy Parts by Eliza Clark

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

3.5

I feel like the book was 90% plotless, which is fine with me, but I don’t think it fits the reviews and descriptions well. The main character was the MOST unhinged female protagonist I’ve ever read. I feel like it was a little bland until the final 100 or so pages, but even then it still felt a little flat. I did really enjoy Clarke’s decision to write not necessarily from the female gaze, but maybe the antithesis of the male gaze. Irina was so deeply unlikeable but relatable in her efforts to have men see her as a threat. While there were moments of violence against women, it was more interesting to read about the violence Irina inflicted. Violence against women is so common in literature and film and the media that Irina’s violence with men felt new and “never-been-done-before” although it most certainly has. Overall an interesting read and that’s why I’ve given it a 3.5, but I don’t think I would reread it, at least anytime soon.
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