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A review by becca_is_reading
The Surface Breaks by Louise O'Neill
3.0
TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of Suicide, Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment, Fat Shaming, Homophobia, Slut Shaming, Violence Against Women
I wanted so much from this book. I love retellings, and the premise of this one and its' cover had me so intrigued. However, the statement that this is a feminist retelling s very misleading. The Sea Witch is a feminist character, and the last thirty pages or so are full of female empowerment. But, the rest of the book is not. The sea kingdom is extremely patriarchal, and while the main character does question some things, she makes no major moves to change things. Insta love is a large part of this book although it is addressed in those last thirty pages. There were elements of fat and slut-shaming that angered me as well as sexual harassment scenes. These again were briefly addressed in the last pages but for this book to be marketed as a feminist retelling is misleading and grasping at straws. Something that I did enjoy is the inclusion of the pain of walking on feet, and the penalty of death is the little mermaid fails. I also like that the Sea Witch's history is explained although I wish it weren't left till those last chapters. I didn't hate this book but, it was not, in my opinion, a good retelling of a beloved fairytale. False Advertising.
I wanted so much from this book. I love retellings, and the premise of this one and its' cover had me so intrigued. However, the statement that this is a feminist retelling s very misleading. The Sea Witch is a feminist character, and the last thirty pages or so are full of female empowerment. But, the rest of the book is not. The sea kingdom is extremely patriarchal, and while the main character does question some things, she makes no major moves to change things. Insta love is a large part of this book although it is addressed in those last thirty pages. There were elements of fat and slut-shaming that angered me as well as sexual harassment scenes. These again were briefly addressed in the last pages but for this book to be marketed as a feminist retelling is misleading and grasping at straws. Something that I did enjoy is the inclusion of the pain of walking on feet, and the penalty of death is the little mermaid fails. I also like that the Sea Witch's history is explained although I wish it weren't left till those last chapters. I didn't hate this book but, it was not, in my opinion, a good retelling of a beloved fairytale. False Advertising.