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gerrakay 's review for:
Someone You Can Build a Nest In
by John Wiswell
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I adored this book. Its voice is charming and funny enough without veering into being too comical (personal dislike of mine), and Shesheshen's views of humanity are honest and formed in a way that makes sense. I do not find her interpretation of Homily's family or the relationships among anyone unbelievable because she has honed her sense of observation across many years. She's a very authentic character in my eyes.
This story signals itself early on, so if you somehow ended up in it and aren't on board with a sweet, loving take on the monsters of old fairy tales with sprinklings of horror and an abject appreciation for fat women, then maybe DNF it for your own sake so you don't end up having a bad time :)
I truly just think this was a beautiful story. Trying to be objective, I could see a few sticking points for some readers—a bit schmaltzy at some points, not understanding a monster's ability to integrate with humanity, predictable to a degree—but across the board I think John Wiswell knew what he wanted to write and he executed it flawlessly. These characters will be occupying my heart for the foreseeable future, and I welcome it.
(This also happens to be maybe the most successful writing of women—especially of queer women—I have seen by a man. That feels cutting, but if you too have suffered through the absolute dregs of Men-Writing-Women that a lot of people have, then you will appreciate this. It's amazing that "not misogynistic in any way" is such a plus, but my god is it a plus.)
This story signals itself early on, so if you somehow ended up in it and aren't on board with a sweet, loving take on the monsters of old fairy tales with sprinklings of horror and an abject appreciation for fat women, then maybe DNF it for your own sake so you don't end up having a bad time :)
I truly just think this was a beautiful story. Trying to be objective, I could see a few sticking points for some readers—a bit schmaltzy at some points, not understanding a monster's ability to integrate with humanity, predictable to a degree—but across the board I think John Wiswell knew what he wanted to write and he executed it flawlessly. These characters will be occupying my heart for the foreseeable future, and I welcome it.
(This also happens to be maybe the most successful writing of women—especially of queer women—I have seen by a man. That feels cutting, but if you too have suffered through the absolute dregs of Men-Writing-Women that a lot of people have, then you will appreciate this. It's amazing that "not misogynistic in any way" is such a plus, but my god is it a plus.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail