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A review by rmnedder
Tell Me I'm Worthless by Alison Rumfitt
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I will be thinking about this book for a long, long time to come.
Compelling and deeply disturbing, this book is a fascinating examination of the intersection of marginalization, trauma, and fascism. The prose is slippery and sharp and whip-smart, Alice and Ila are both deeply flawed and interesting characters, and the author has made some very smart storytelling choices. The multi-perspective narration adds (in a good way) to the somewhat disorienting nature of the truth of this story. The message feels a little on the nose at times, especially considering who the target audience of this book is, but it's still a very impactful read. I don't want to say I enjoyed it, because that feels like the wrong thing to say about this book, but it's sticking with me and I'm so glad I read it.
READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS, I BEG YOU. This is a rough read.
Compelling and deeply disturbing, this book is a fascinating examination of the intersection of marginalization, trauma, and fascism. The prose is slippery and sharp and whip-smart, Alice and Ila are both deeply flawed and interesting characters, and the author has made some very smart storytelling choices. The multi-perspective narration adds (in a good way) to the somewhat disorienting nature of the truth of this story. The message feels a little on the nose at times, especially considering who the target audience of this book is, but it's still a very impactful read. I don't want to say I enjoyed it, because that feels like the wrong thing to say about this book, but it's sticking with me and I'm so glad I read it.
READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS, I BEG YOU. This is a rough read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Antisemitism, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Pedophilia, Self harm, Torture, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death and Vomit