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A review by aforestofbooks
Enter the Body by Joy McCullough
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First 5-star read of 2023!!
I will read absolutely anything Joy McCullough writes! Every book I've read by her has left me in awe, not just at her way with words and telling a story, but the messages that come across as well. Though I will say, I was a bit hesitant about Enter the Body, mostly because I have read four of Shakespeare's plays and only really remember Romeo and Juliet, so I was a bit worried I was going to be lost this entire book, but it's written in such a way that you can go in knowing very little and leave knowing pretty much everything you'd need to know without having to read the actual plays. Which...if you're not a fan of Shakespeare to begin with, is kind of nice.
This book follows four of Shakespeare's female characters: Lavinia, Juliet, Ophelia, and Cordelia. I was only familiar with Juliet and despite having read Hamlet, I barely remembered Ophelia being a character in that play. Which honestly goes to show how Shakespeare uses female characters to further the plot for his male characters. But this book is all about taking back the narrative, on speaking out against family members who would rather use their wives and daughters for their own uses, and the injustices and abuse women have faced throughout the years in silence.
Each of the girls gets to share their story in verse (as we know it), and then gets the opportunity to take back the narrative and give themselves an ending they are proud of. Lavinia, with her missing hands and tongue, is unable to share in this storytelling, but we're told how not all stories have to be shared because they're difficult stories not just for the person sharing, but for others to hear. And that there are many ways to share a story if you can't speak or write the words. I think this was beautifully done, and the ending was a perfect closing act to this book.
I really hope one day this can be required reading in English classes everywhere. Sure, we can still read Shakespeare, but I think books like this one show these plays in a new light and highlight some of the problematic aspects that need to be discussed more.
Please please please add this one to your tbrs!
Also, some of my favourite quotes:
"They're hurt themselves. / Hurt things lash out. / It didn't make sense. / I could have joined them, made a trio. / We could have been hurt together. / I stopped running to Grace / not because her logic didn't help / but because I realized / my sisters would never change."
"It's painful to give up on family. / Our hearts fight back, / and with good reason. / If there's a chance to mend things, / you shouldn't close a door. / I should forgive them? / Oh, forgiveness. / So powerful, a blade / that can slice away rot / so a wound doesn't fester. / But take care that instrument / isn't weaponized, twisted / into the wound, leaving only you / with the pain."
"My heart thunders in my chest. / I watch his lips move and still / have no desire to press my own to his / but I am starting to think I would / defend this man / with my life / and maybe that's enough."
I will read absolutely anything Joy McCullough writes! Every book I've read by her has left me in awe, not just at her way with words and telling a story, but the messages that come across as well. Though I will say, I was a bit hesitant about Enter the Body, mostly because I have read four of Shakespeare's plays and only really remember Romeo and Juliet, so I was a bit worried I was going to be lost this entire book, but it's written in such a way that you can go in knowing very little and leave knowing pretty much everything you'd need to know without having to read the actual plays. Which...if you're not a fan of Shakespeare to begin with, is kind of nice.
This book follows four of Shakespeare's female characters: Lavinia, Juliet, Ophelia, and Cordelia. I was only familiar with Juliet and despite having read Hamlet, I barely remembered Ophelia being a character in that play. Which honestly goes to show how Shakespeare uses female characters to further the plot for his male characters. But this book is all about taking back the narrative, on speaking out against family members who would rather use their wives and daughters for their own uses, and the injustices and abuse women have faced throughout the years in silence.
Each of the girls gets to share their story in verse (as we know it), and then gets the opportunity to take back the narrative and give themselves an ending they are proud of. Lavinia, with her missing hands and tongue, is unable to share in this storytelling, but we're told how not all stories have to be shared because they're difficult stories not just for the person sharing, but for others to hear. And that there are many ways to share a story if you can't speak or write the words. I think this was beautifully done, and the ending was a perfect closing act to this book.
I really hope one day this can be required reading in English classes everywhere. Sure, we can still read Shakespeare, but I think books like this one show these plays in a new light and highlight some of the problematic aspects that need to be discussed more.
Please please please add this one to your tbrs!
Also, some of my favourite quotes: