A review by mrrmadi
Boy Parts by Eliza Clark

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

5.0

Eliza Clark has created a sickening masterpiece. This book has me in an absolute chokehold, and I don’t even know how to begin to describe it without sounding like a pretentious maniac. Clark’s writing style is an acquired taste, but I devoured it whole. 

Our main character, Irina, is an absolute c*nt, in the foulest sense of the word. She’s vile, manipulative, selfish, aggravating — and yet, utterly addictive. The way she views others as pawns for her own amusement is captivatingly cruel. Her best friend, for lack of a better word, is wrapped around her finger tighter than the waist trainer Irina wears. Her art feels accessible and yet utterly depraved. And the individuals who hold Irina’s heart only do so because she allows them to. Clark takes our typical gender roles and flips them upside down and inside out, without making this reversal come off as cliché. 

I can’t even attempt to summarize this book’s plot without giving away the beauty of it, so I’ll let you dip your toes into that pool. But, this book is not for the faint of heart. A note: please read any and ALL trigger warnings for this book: a few include sexual assault, disordered eating, racism, sexual violence, body horror, and adult-minor relationships. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Progress at your own risk (although you won’t regret it) if you choose to peruse Clark’s debut.

Also — don’t watch Irina’s movie recommendations. 
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