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A review by mnkeemagick
PET by Akwaeke Emezi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was a fun, interesting, whimsical read with a much darker ending than expected. With undertones of the price spent for achieving worthwhile goals, the importance of remembrance, and a general feeling of awareness throughout, this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Set through the eyes of Jam, a (mostly) non-verbal and fully trans young woman living in a pseudo-utopian, post revolution world as an accident in her mother's art studio shifts her perspective and changes her world forever. Emezi brings laughs, light, and magic to complex topics regarding LGBTQ identity, community, and family in a seamless and natural format that makes the post revolution society feel not only attainable, but a worthwhile goal that should be strived for. There's a broad and easy acceptance of trans identity, the power of community, fighting for what you believe in, and beautiful, world shaping change with just the right dose of magic.
Even as they highlight the faults of their world, unveiling the lack of perfection and of a missing acceptance from the characters that such faults can still exist, Emezi handles a harsh and complicated ending with grace and satisfaction. While I would definitely recommend checking the content warnings for any potential triggers, this book had me laughing, hoping, and deeply satisfied in the face of even great tragedy and should definitely make reading lists everywhere.
Set through the eyes of Jam, a (mostly) non-verbal and fully trans young woman living in a pseudo-utopian, post revolution world as an accident in her mother's art studio shifts her perspective and changes her world forever. Emezi brings laughs, light, and magic to complex topics regarding LGBTQ identity, community, and family in a seamless and natural format that makes the post revolution society feel not only attainable, but a worthwhile goal that should be strived for. There's a broad and easy acceptance of trans identity, the power of community, fighting for what you believe in, and beautiful, world shaping change with just the right dose of magic.
Even as they highlight the faults of their world, unveiling the lack of perfection and of a missing acceptance from the characters that such faults can still exist, Emezi handles a harsh and complicated ending with grace and satisfaction. While I would definitely recommend checking the content warnings for any potential triggers, this book had me laughing, hoping, and deeply satisfied in the face of even great tragedy and should definitely make reading lists everywhere.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Child abuse, Incest, and Sexual assault