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A review by anastasia_raf
Infamous by Lex Croucher
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I just finished infamous and I feel that I should maybe sleep on it before writing anything but also know that I need to write this review while I'm still being haunted by its pages.
Did I enjoy the book? Yes and no. Honestly being described as a queer romance feels a bit misleading?
It is queer and it has a little romance but it's also heavy. It explores women's stance in society, it LIGHTLY refers to colonialism and racism. It also refers to toxic masculinity, patriarchy, and the predatory "nature" of white cis men. Was all of it perfectly executed? No. But the message was delivered.
It felt a bit triggering for me reading a book where I could see myself- a young woman being misled and manipulated by a man. A queer person struggling to accept herself. I have read books that were more triggering and difficult but somehow with this book I felt like I was reliving the most ugly and hurtful moments of my life. Nash reminded me too much of someone dangerous and scary and I felt sickened by his appearance in the book. I didn't know it was going to be heavy (personally speaking always,) going into it but please be careful if you get triggered by such themes as well.
The writing was solid. The protagonists felt real enough. The side characters weren't explored as much as I wish they were. There was such chemistry between Rose and Eddie, I loved it. Would I have given Eddie as many chances as Rose gave her? Probably not, probably yes.
Do I believe Eddie is spoiled, single-minded, selfish and thoughtless towards the feelings of others? Yes. Do I believe she has the potential of growth? Also yes.
I truly liked Rose. I know she has spunk and I wanted to see more of it. Nonetheless she was an absolute delight.
I loved Dayo, Albert and occasionally Valentine, but as I said, they weren't greatly explored and their presence seemed "out of necessity" than actual contribution to the story.
The best way I can describe it, is as a semi-biography of an author. Of Eddie.
Did I enjoy the book? Yes and no. Honestly being described as a queer romance feels a bit misleading?
It is queer and it has a little romance but it's also heavy. It explores women's stance in society, it LIGHTLY refers to colonialism and racism. It also refers to toxic masculinity, patriarchy, and the predatory "nature" of white cis men. Was all of it perfectly executed? No. But the message was delivered.
It felt a bit triggering for me reading a book where I could see myself- a young woman being misled and manipulated by a man. A queer person struggling to accept herself. I have read books that were more triggering and difficult but somehow with this book I felt like I was reliving the most ugly and hurtful moments of my life. Nash reminded me too much of someone dangerous and scary and I felt sickened by his appearance in the book. I didn't know it was going to be heavy (personally speaking always,) going into it but please be careful if you get triggered by such themes as well.
The writing was solid. The protagonists felt real enough. The side characters weren't explored as much as I wish they were. There was such chemistry between Rose and Eddie, I loved it. Would I have given Eddie as many chances as Rose gave her? Probably not, probably yes.
Do I believe Eddie is spoiled, single-minded, selfish and thoughtless towards the feelings of others? Yes. Do I believe she has the potential of growth? Also yes.
I truly liked Rose. I know she has spunk and I wanted to see more of it. Nonetheless she was an absolute delight.
I loved Dayo, Albert and occasionally Valentine, but as I said, they weren't greatly explored and their presence seemed "out of necessity" than actual contribution to the story.
The best way I can describe it, is as a semi-biography of an author. Of Eddie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Sexism, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Murder, Homophobia, and Death
Minor: Slavery, Racism, Misogyny, Mental illness, Cursing, Colonisation, and Classism