A review by kaylagetsread
Tampa by Alissa Nutting

dark funny reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

In transgressive fiction it’s the author’s job to make you really <I>really</I> uncomfortable—to face an ugly reality either within the confines of societal norms or yourself. At its best, this refusal to look away can even effect change. Basically, saying that a work of transgressive literature made the reader uncomfortable, like that’s a negative thing in itself, is sort of like being appalled that the sky is blue. So I’m going to bypass all the ways this book made me want to vom. (And did it ever. Props to the author for that!)

What’s there to talk about here then? Well first and foremost, how youth and attractiveness skews societal perceptions of people, especially women. How beauty can therefore be used and abused with very few repercussions, and in many cases, these people are glorified for their transgressions. Also, this very real culture where female sexual predators are often overlooked and/or treated more delicately.

Lots of literary references and satire in here too, which I loved. I wanted more closure for
Jack
in the end, especially
when it came to his dad. I guess I figure if he was willing to spill the beans about their affair, he might have also mentioned how she stopped him from getting him help
. All in all a quick read that’ll leave you thinking (and cringing) for a while.
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