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A review by alexanderjamie
But the Girl by Jessica Zhan Mei Yu
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Jessica Zhan’s But the Girl is a fascinating look into modern academia, familial relations and how we express love, and second generation immigrants.
It’s short and Zhan is quite sharp in her comments throughout the book, presenting a different perspective on family from the eyes of Girl as well as the way we engage with art and books. I felt Zhan does a good job in her characterisation of Girl and gives her a distinct voice — well contrasted in the character of Clementine. (It does feel vaguely biographical though I’m can’t confirm that).
Overall, the book adds to current discourse and was overall a good read. Also didn’t realise that we are never told Girl’s name — quite interesting in hindsight.
It’s short and Zhan is quite sharp in her comments throughout the book, presenting a different perspective on family from the eyes of Girl as well as the way we engage with art and books. I felt Zhan does a good job in her characterisation of Girl and gives her a distinct voice — well contrasted in the character of Clementine. (It does feel vaguely biographical though I’m can’t confirm that).
Overall, the book adds to current discourse and was overall a good read. Also didn’t realise that we are never told Girl’s name — quite interesting in hindsight.