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A review by thepurplebookwyrm
You by Joanna Briscoe
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
22/06/2021:
I'm glad I re-read this, and will keep this one on in my library for now.
It definitely offers a different perspective on iffy age-gap relationships: I'd say Cecilia and James' relationship constitutes a true "edge case", existing within the greyer areas of consent, exploitation... and yes genuine attachment. It had quite poignant things to say about obsession, trauma and memory, without it quite being about sexual abuse or grooming (for a change). And whilst it doesn't change the way I now see/conceptualise my own experiences, I found this particular literary examination of such things useful and cathartic as well.
On the other hand, I really didn't care for the strong maternity theme - but then I never do so that's that. And I didn't really understand the point of a couple of the sub-plots either.
I'm glad I re-read this, and will keep this one on in my library for now.
It definitely offers a different perspective on iffy age-gap relationships: I'd say Cecilia and James' relationship constitutes a true "edge case", existing within the greyer areas of consent, exploitation... and yes genuine attachment. It had quite poignant things to say about obsession, trauma and memory, without it quite being about sexual abuse or grooming (for a change). And whilst it doesn't change the way I now see/conceptualise my own experiences, I found this particular literary examination of such things useful and cathartic as well.
On the other hand, I really didn't care for the strong maternity theme - but then I never do so that's that. And I didn't really understand the point of a couple of the sub-plots either.