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A review by breannenance
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
"Angels can look like anything. So can monsters."
This book is a heartbreaking young adult novel that takes a fantasy twist on representing the monsters that hide in plain sight.
A short read that packs a lot of punch and meaning to every single word on the page. I listened to this via audio book and the narrator's deep almost menacing voice just sat me on edge the entire duration of listening.
Each character represents someone you know in a story that unfortunately has been told a thousand times. The abusive family member, the unknowing sibling, the outside friend that can see what is actually going on, the spouse who thinks their partner has "changed" and "will never do it again", and the pet, who represents the rage we have inside and what we would actually like to do to the people that plague our society.
I love the representation. That we meet Jam and her parents just accept who she is without question and give her all the help she needs to be who she is.
**SPOILERS**
The final scene between Pet and Hibiscus truly terrified me, if I was a middle grade reading this book I would truly have nightmares. I might still have nightmares.
This book is a heartbreaking young adult novel that takes a fantasy twist on representing the monsters that hide in plain sight.
A short read that packs a lot of punch and meaning to every single word on the page. I listened to this via audio book and the narrator's deep almost menacing voice just sat me on edge the entire duration of listening.
Each character represents someone you know in a story that unfortunately has been told a thousand times. The abusive family member, the unknowing sibling, the outside friend that can see what is actually going on, the spouse who thinks their partner has "changed" and "will never do it again", and the pet, who represents the rage we have inside and what we would actually like to do to the people that plague our society.
I love the representation. That we meet Jam and her parents just accept who she is without question and give her all the help she needs to be who she is.
**SPOILERS**
The final scene between Pet and Hibiscus truly terrified me, if I was a middle grade reading this book I would truly have nightmares. I might still have nightmares.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Minor: Child abuse and Emotional abuse