loverofeels 's review for:

Shmutz by Felicia Berliner

2.0

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how is such a provocative book such a drag?! the litany of clinically described pornographic scenes is unbearable; the main character is dull; the various ways she is mistreated are not resolved in any satisfactory way. i have no problem with critiquing highly controlling religious societies, 

but considering the ending

, i was disappointed that berliner didn't demonstrate more of the aspects of chasidic culture/religion raizl loves. was also deeply troubled by the scene with her group project: having a Black character who never appears previously or again say "jews are racist" is not an acceptable way to point out racism within jewish communities. would not recommend.