A review by effy
The Boy I Am by K L Kettle

challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really enjoyed the way that gender roles weren't just switched but how the balance of power shifting in that way would change the society and the way that people abused their power. This book was definitely uncomfortable to read, especially as there are points where the boys seemingly make light of each other being raped / sexually assaulted. But this book is meant to make you feel uncomfortable.

Once I found my footing in this book, I found it really engaging and I wanted to just keep reading to see what would happen. There were a lot of twists and turns and I appreciated the way that the reader's perception of the world was warped by this book being written in first person narrative. The ending felt a little trite but it wasn't inherently bad, maybe just too convenient for my tastes? It also feels as though there is room for a sequel to exist which I would be really intrigued to see where the story could go next.
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