A review by parton4proletariat
Supper Club by Lara Williams

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

2.0

From a technical standpoint, I enjoyed this book. So much of the writing was just stunning. I also enjoyed the non-linear structure of this story. However, I have a hard time considering Supper Club to be the feminist story it claims to be. The only trans character in the book, who is only briefly mentioned, is misgendered when referred to before her transition. While I don't think the author intended to be transphobic, it is clear that this was not handled with the sensitivity it should have been. it is dangerous to consider any story that mishandles marginalized people in such a way to be "feminist."

I also found the main character, Roberta, to be too unlikeable. Her relationship with Stevie was difficult to read, and I found myself feeling bad for Roberta's boyfriend, Adnan. Unless I missed something, he seemed to be kind and the most normal character in the book. I found myself siding with him at the end. 
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