A review by nostoat
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.

This is super unfortunate. The tone of this book is VERY particular, a very intense farce tone that won't be for everyone but I thought I'd enjoy it as an easy read...until in chapter 4 a side character who is clearly being set up for a romance with the protagonist's fieldwork partner says to her (content warning, this read to me like sexual harassment at the minimum):

"Just wait woman! ... Mein Gott! I'll have you over my knee yet, and then you'll know a beating like you've never had before!"

I have no idea how to read this with the tone of the book. I think it's supposed to be funny? But it completely stopped me in my tracks. Even though the characters are shocked the tone of the book just isn't...in any way suited for something like this to be said?? And I couldn't help spinning out thinking about whether the author was then going to try to convince me these two could then fall in love. Thankfully it wasn't the mains, but still, I know a set-up when I see one. 

I might be overreacting but I just..can't.