A review by bikes_and_books
Real Life by Brandon Taylor

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I thought this book was well-written, with language and descriptions that were immediate and at times very insightful, but on the whole it's kinda depressing, which I suppose is the point. Alienation and the futility of trying to connect with other human beings, despite our innate desire for it, seems to be the main theme. Adding layers of racism and trauma experienced by the protagonist makes this even more difficult. But the prose is rather stunning and I recommend it if you like to study craft. 
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