Scan barcode
A review by clavishorti
Hungry Ghost by Victoria Ying
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.0
Hungry Ghost by Victoria Ying takes us on Valerie Chu’s journey, a young woman navigating the twists and turns of adolescence. Amidst the usual teenage tapestry of love, friendship, and family complexities, Valerie bravely addresses the sensitive issue of eating disorders (ED).
Derived from Buddhism and Chinese religious traditions, the term “Hungry Ghost” vividly depicts entities stirred by intense emotional needs in an animalistic way. According to my findings on the internet, its Chinese translation, 餓鬼 (èguǐ), meaning hungry ghost, adds a layer of depth to this exploration, stemming from the Sanskrit term preta in Buddhism.
The synopsis promises a tantalizing glimpse into the realms of eating disorders, family dynamics, and the pursuit of self-love. Regrettably, my reading journey encountered deviations from these expectations.
The book’s weaknesses cast a shadow on the reading experience, with unresolved toxic elements taking center stage. Valerie’s fatphobic stance introduces a conflict left hanging, even after a seemingly concluded argument with a friend, lacking the necessary discourse on the underlying fatphobia.
The toxicity extends to Valerie’s relationship with her mother, revolving around societal notions of beauty and weight. Although Valerie acknowledges the toxicity, the lack of outright rejection leaves a lingering sense that these issues must be accepted without deeper introspection, such as discussing the underlying fatphobia. Ironically, her aunt’s explanation, meant to clarify, introduces confusion without solid support for Valerie’s feelings.
With numerous potential conflicts and intricacies, a meticulous touch on resolution and characterization could elevate the story’s depth. Aligning with the synopsis’ promises, readers hope for a more satisfying exploration of these complex themes.
Character journeys, including Valerie’s, seem disjointed, possibly due to the book’s attempt to delve into an array of themes within limited pages. This ambitious approach risks a lack of precision and sensitivity to the intricate issues presented.
Nevertheless, the visual art captivates with its elegant yet understated color palette. The cover’s beautiful and distinctive illustrations not only visually allure but also create positive anticipation for the unfolding narrative.
A commendable aspect surfaces as Valerie bravely opts for professional help. This positive stride adds a layer of depth to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of seeking assistance when needed.
In summary, Hungry Ghost offers a captivating glimpse into the complex realms of friendship, love, and family. However, its execution feels hurried, missing opportunities to fully realize its potential. A more nuanced exploration of conflicts, resolutions, and characterizations could transform the reading experience into a more satisfying and profound journey.
By delving further into characters’ emotional nuances and affording more narrative space, the book possesses the potential to forge a stronger connection with readers. A balanced exploration of the raised themes could deliver a more resonant and contemplative impact.
Derived from Buddhism and Chinese religious traditions, the term “Hungry Ghost” vividly depicts entities stirred by intense emotional needs in an animalistic way. According to my findings on the internet, its Chinese translation, 餓鬼 (èguǐ), meaning hungry ghost, adds a layer of depth to this exploration, stemming from the Sanskrit term preta in Buddhism.
The synopsis promises a tantalizing glimpse into the realms of eating disorders, family dynamics, and the pursuit of self-love. Regrettably, my reading journey encountered deviations from these expectations.
The toxicity extends to Valerie’s relationship with her mother, revolving around societal notions of beauty and weight. Although Valerie acknowledges the toxicity, the lack of outright rejection leaves a lingering sense that these issues must be accepted without deeper introspection, such as discussing the underlying fatphobia. Ironically, her aunt’s explanation, meant to clarify, introduces confusion without solid support for Valerie’s feelings.
With numerous potential conflicts and intricacies, a meticulous touch on resolution and characterization could elevate the story’s depth. Aligning with the synopsis’ promises, readers hope for a more satisfying exploration of these complex themes.
Character journeys, including Valerie’s, seem disjointed, possibly due to the book’s attempt to delve into an array of themes within limited pages. This ambitious approach risks a lack of precision and sensitivity to the intricate issues presented.
Nevertheless, the visual art captivates with its elegant yet understated color palette. The cover’s beautiful and distinctive illustrations not only visually allure but also create positive anticipation for the unfolding narrative.
In summary, Hungry Ghost offers a captivating glimpse into the complex realms of friendship, love, and family. However, its execution feels hurried, missing opportunities to fully realize its potential. A more nuanced exploration of conflicts, resolutions, and characterizations could transform the reading experience into a more satisfying and profound journey.
By delving further into characters’ emotional nuances and affording more narrative space, the book possesses the potential to forge a stronger connection with readers. A balanced exploration of the raised themes could deliver a more resonant and contemplative impact.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, and Vomit
Moderate: Death and Death of parent