A review by missmethven
When I Hit You: Or, A Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife by Meena Kandasamy

challenging dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

So much potential with this book but I was so disappointed! To be honest, everywhere I’ve seen this book described or had recommended to me, there was never a mention of the essay or diary type writing style which I didn’t enjoy throughout. That element isn’t a negative thing usually but I didn’t feel it had flow and couldn’t get into the book in part because of it.
The same goes for the chronology - or lack thereof - and jumpy narrative throughout, which stagnated the flow which there really wasn’t much of.

The writing is beautiful, poetic and lyrical with some really really great bits. Not to mention the detail of everything she experienced, it was harrowing and graphic - I have so much respect for the author. It also shone a light on Indian culture and the acceptance of domestic violence on a larger scale than in the west.

I’m gutted I didn’t enjoy this one more, there is so much potential but despite my feminism, the subject matter and content within the pages, the style of writing just wasn’t for me and ultimately stopped me from enjoying it as a whole.
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