A review by booksaremypeople
The Spectacular by Zoe Whittall

4.0

This novel follows three generations of women, each related and each searching for ways to navigate a world that is not always supportive of women. There’s Missy, busy touring with her rock and roll band who wants control over her body. There’s Carola who has sought out solace in an ashram only to be there when the community she’s a part of falls apart. And finally, there’s Ruth, who in her seniority has a sexual awakening. The book explores women’s sexuality, autonomy and feminism. At times, there was a lot happening, a lot of threads to follow, but the lyrical writing was beautiful and the themes prescient. Thank you to Random House and Ballantine Books for the advanced review copy.