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A review by bibliorama
Bunny by Mona Awad
dark
emotional
funny
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
4.5
Edit 1/23/22: to finally give a proper review
I really loved this book's themes. In my interpretation, part of this story is about the emotional and personal side to creating works of art. Sam and the Bunnies perform their "workshops" to try and create the perfect "Bunny" only it never seems to work (because what they are putting into the bunnies is superficial at best, nothing of true substance). Sam is never included in the action and always on the sidelines during these workshops, but that is for an important reason. The Bunnies always have Sam feeling like an outsider and that she isn't skilled enough to partake in their art workshops, and she should feel lucky to be included in any way at all.
Some backstory, Sam is in a master's program for writing at a prestigious school where most of the students are from a higher economic class from her. The Bunnies are included in this higher economic class.
So I feel like part of the conversation taking place in this book is how sometimes those in a higher class can dictate what is "good art" while Sam is left floundering like she isn't really good enough, but her growth is understanding that she has technically already made a bunny that has outlasted all the ones the Bunnies have made being Ava . This character is one of substance and came from when Sam was in a dark place her creation (art) guided her out and gave her joy. There's more to this book that I could talk about, but I'll stop myself here for not wanting to give too many spoilers that might keep someone else from picking it up.
All-in-all I love when a book makes me think and with this one you have to. The writing isn't straightforward and makes you wonder, but I like the experimental aspect to it. It was creative. And, it'll have you saying "bunny" to yourself days after finishing it, so be warned.
This book was a wild ride. Since I literally just finished it I still am thinking through all my thoughts, so I'll come back and update this part with more details. Before I leave, I'll just add this - I really loved the idea of how in our lonely moments we can create companions that stick with us and help quide us through the hardships.
I really loved this book's themes. In my interpretation, part of this story is about the emotional and personal side to creating works of art. Sam and the Bunnies perform their "workshops" to try and create the perfect "Bunny" only it never seems to work (because what they are putting into the bunnies is superficial at best, nothing of true substance). Sam is never included in the action and always on the sidelines during these workshops, but that is for an important reason. The Bunnies always have Sam feeling like an outsider and that she isn't skilled enough to partake in their art workshops, and she should feel lucky to be included in any way at all.
Some backstory, Sam is in a master's program for writing at a prestigious school where most of the students are from a higher economic class from her. The Bunnies are included in this higher economic class.
So I feel like part of the conversation taking place in this book is how sometimes those in a higher class can dictate what is "good art" while Sam is left floundering like she isn't really good enough, but her growth is understanding that she has technically already made a bunny that has outlasted all the ones the Bunnies have made being
All-in-all I love when a book makes me think and with this one you have to. The writing isn't straightforward and makes you wonder, but I like the experimental aspect to it. It was creative. And, it'll have you saying "bunny" to yourself days after finishing it, so be warned.
This book was a wild ride. Since I literally just finished it I still am thinking through all my thoughts, so I'll come back and update this part with more details. Before I leave, I'll just add this - I really loved the idea of how in our lonely moments we can create companions that stick with us and help quide us through the hardships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Drug use, Gore, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual content
Definitely don't read if you don't like any descriptions of animal death in any sort of way.