A review by honoreads
The Language of Bodies by Suzanne DeWitt Hall

challenging dark
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

I did not like it. I wish I could but I can’t. First, the writing style is not one I’m into. I wanted to stop reading it almost as soon as I started. It felt bland to me. 
Second, the only character of color is the dead one. I know why the author chose to do so, but Black and Indigenous people are already too often victims of hate. This was to talk about it, I don’t know how other BIPOC feel about it. 
Thirdly, the dead character feels fetishized at times. Now, grief is a crazy experience and maybe that’s why the MC feels that way and describes her partner that way but it truly made me feel uncomfortable at times. I’ve grieved, never for a romantic partner, it still felt excessive. She talks a lot about her partner’s body parts, mainly her genitalia, and that too made me feel uncomfortable. 
Fourth, she has a change of plan, which I saw coming but was still wild and she compares it to a rape. It doesn’t happen as such but still. 
Fifth, her redeeming arc is fast and short. I’m not convinced by anything and I find her character horrible. 
Overall, I’m not convinced by this book.