A review by tanyamariereads
Marilou Is Everywhere by Sarah Elaine Smith

4.0

I couldn't put this book down! Sarah Elaine Smith wrote a troubling story in such beautiful poetic language that brought some discomfort, but had me completely engaged throughout. A story told from the point of view of the main fictional character - Cindy Stoat - about her family, how she struggled to find her own identity in a world that mostly ignored her presence, and how she scooped up the opportunity of living as someone else in order to be seen.

I struggled with seeing things from Cindy's point of view for much of the book. It was hard for me to relate to a character that lived her life without much of a fuss and how she coped with her broken home. I would grow frustrated with her actions and think to myself, "what on Earth are you doing?" However, having this story told from Cindy's point of view allows readers to see firsthand her growth of self-awareness. It also allows readers to sympathize with her even if her actions come across as bizarre.

Smith shows that there's room for growth and self-reflection for Cindy, which really won me over. Sarah Elaine Smith understands that life as a teenager can be and sometimes is entirely complex, and that came across wonderfully in her writing.