A review by jen_abrahall
Switch Bitch by Roald Dahl

dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I’m hesitant to recommend this collection of short stories and exerts from Dahls novels for adults. This collection is dominated by sex which in itself isn’t an issue however in three of the four stories unwanted sex obtained through deception and manipulation is central to the narrative. The third story also features suicide as a central theme. Both the second and fourth story also feature very objectifying descriptions of women’s bodies and their purpose as sexual objects for men. 

Put frankly this book shouldn’t come without a lengthy series of content warnings. Knowing what we know about Dahls attitudes to women and his own family this is a deeply unsettling reading experience - whilst the quality of the writing is strong I would argue that the themes this book tackles and the way this is done does not warrant a recommendation from me.

It’s a good book, strong writing but tactlessly handled themes - not one I’d long to re-read any time soon.
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