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A review by princesa
Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Eliza and Her Monsters will always be near and dear to my heart. Niche yet approachable and enjoyable. When I first picked up this book I related to it immensely, from the specific separation of online and in-person entities to the depression that unfortunately bled through both. After re-reading almost four years later, I'm able to genuinely pinpoint my issues with the book besides just blindly giving it a 5/5 for relevance.
Now, even though I resonate with the emotions Eliza feels, I'm less sympathetic to the decisions of Eliza and Wallace towards the end of the book. However, they're both children after all and don't have the emotional intelligence to fully communicate with one another yet. Also, while there are diverse characters they are mostly side characters and don't have much to do with the actual plot of the story. Arguably, it's still appreciated and especially since from the plot standpoint this really does focus on Eliza and her alone.
My final gripe with the story pertains to her younger brother being a savior in her war with her parents. Though I appreciate the emotional maturity we had yet to learn from this character until this point I don't think it should've been his place to say what Eliza herself needed to say. I'm glad she had someone in her corner to speak up for her though I found this rather unrealistic in most situations.
Despite my few complaints, this is still such a good read with compelling storytelling. Each time Zappia writes to the more intimate moments between Eliza and Wallace, I feel as though I'm reliving the feelings myself. The same giddiness and innocence of being that close to someone for the first time. Not only that, but the passion Eliza has for her work and community online. This is one of those books that's great if you relate to her situation, but even if you don't it's still well-written enough for you to enjoy for what it is.
Now, even though I resonate with the emotions Eliza feels, I'm less sympathetic to the decisions of Eliza and Wallace towards the end of the book. However, they're both children after all and don't have the emotional intelligence to fully communicate with one another yet. Also, while there are diverse characters they are mostly side characters and don't have much to do with the actual plot of the story. Arguably, it's still appreciated and especially since from the plot standpoint this really does focus on Eliza and her alone.
My final gripe with the story
Despite my few complaints, this is still such a good read with compelling storytelling. Each time Zappia writes to the more intimate moments between Eliza and Wallace, I feel as though I'm reliving the feelings myself. The same giddiness and innocence of being that close to someone for the first time. Not only that, but the passion Eliza has for her work and community online. This is one of those books that's great if you relate to her situation, but even if you don't it's still well-written enough for you to enjoy for what it is.
Content Warnings
Minor: Car accident, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts