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A review by thatbookmarkbabe
Tampa by Alissa Nutting
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Alexa, play the Law and Order: SVU theme song”
But seriously, the look of disgust and shock permanently on my face throughout reading this probably aged me significantly.
Nutting did a great job keeping me turning the pages, and drew me into the villain’s mind expertly. Celeste’s complete lack of empathy and total predatory ways were shocking.
After finishing, it becomes clear that maybe the shock is necessary in a female perpetrator story as opposed to books like My Dark Vanessa, to make the point. It makes you think about how society/the justice system/media treat male victims and female assailants in constrast to their opposing-gendered counterparts.
I thought this was well done, and I could say so much more but it’s short, so go read it - if you can stomach it.
But seriously, the look of disgust and shock permanently on my face throughout reading this probably aged me significantly.
Nutting did a great job keeping me turning the pages, and drew me into the villain’s mind expertly. Celeste’s complete lack of empathy and total predatory ways were shocking.
After finishing, it becomes clear that maybe the shock is necessary in a female perpetrator story as opposed to books like My Dark Vanessa, to make the point. It makes you think about how society/the justice system/media treat male victims and female assailants in constrast to their opposing-gendered counterparts.
I thought this was well done, and I could say so much more but it’s short, so go read it - if you can stomach it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Adult/minor relationship, Grief, Infidelity, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Death of parent, and Drug use
Moderate: Alcohol and Blood
Minor: Suicidal thoughts