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A review by legsbian
The Incendiaries by R.O. Kwon
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Very strange book. I think I liked it? Definitely pay attention to the CWs.
Phoebe is very much Will's Manic Pixie Dream Girl, and the narration doesn't let you forget it — you never really feel like you understand her, simply because Will doesn't actually understand her. Kwan twisted that in beautifully, but it also makes it difficult to immerse yourself into the novel. The plot and structure makes you feel very much like a spectator watching each character slowly crumble without realizing.
Phoebe is very much Will's Manic Pixie Dream Girl, and the narration doesn't let you forget it — you never really feel like you understand her, simply because Will doesn't actually understand her. Kwan twisted that in beautifully, but it also makes it difficult to immerse yourself into the novel. The plot and structure makes you feel very much like a spectator watching each character slowly crumble without realizing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Violence, Stalking, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Abortion