Scan barcode
A review by helenecats
We Had to Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is an excellent choice for #womenintranslationmonth A short, addictive read. Our narrator works as a moderator for Facebook (even though the website is not explicitly mentioned, there are many clues) and she takes us through the highs and lows of her job, as well as her friendships and relationships, some more dysfunctional than others…
I was surprised to see so many negative reviews on Goodreads. For me, this book packed a punch and succeeded in showing how dehumanised people are on and offline, and the real trauma and desensitisation people face long-term.
Even though it is fiction, most of it was inspired by accounts from actual moderators. I went on to read some of the newspaper articles on that topic, which are quoted at the end, and it seems like the author didn't make many things up, sadly.
The toxic relationships, last few pages and the abrupt ending frustrated many readers, but I thought it was all quite clever.
If you like unreliable narrators, queer rep, and can cope with the trigger warnings (I'm sure the full list is easily available - I won't include them here as I'm scared my post will be taken down!) Then I say go for it. Please chat with me about it in the comments, as the last time I was so engrossed in a book was probably when I read Tender is the Flesh.
I was surprised to see so many negative reviews on Goodreads. For me, this book packed a punch and succeeded in showing how dehumanised people are on and offline, and the real trauma and desensitisation people face long-term.
Even though it is fiction, most of it was inspired by accounts from actual moderators. I went on to read some of the newspaper articles on that topic, which are quoted at the end, and it seems like the author didn't make many things up, sadly.
The toxic relationships, last few pages and the abrupt ending frustrated many readers, but I thought it was all quite clever.
If you like unreliable narrators, queer rep, and can cope with the trigger warnings (I'm sure the full list is easily available - I won't include them here as I'm scared my post will be taken down!) Then I say go for it. Please chat with me about it in the comments, as the last time I was so engrossed in a book was probably when I read Tender is the Flesh.