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A review by presenttensegrace
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I read this book more quickly than any other this year - it was so captivating. A novel that will stick with me for a while and is forcing me to reflect in new ways on my own relationships, politics, and identities.
Readers with various perspectives on intersectional feminism, like the characters themselves, can empathize with these stories and the complicated (sometimes brutal) challenges of racism, misogyny, etc. the characters go through. I felt guided through new ideas and questions without feeling “preached” to. I especially loved the way Evaristo wrote about desire (sexual desire, but also friendship and life goals) and gritty coping mechanisms, like in Grace’s case. Each character felt so real, and the way their stories came together was so well-crafted.
Finally, at first I felt that the individual conversations about gender etc. were cheesy, but I think they’re actually pretty accurate representations of people working ideas out in real time (and of the author reaching more directly to readers, especially the end of ch. 5).
Readers with various perspectives on intersectional feminism, like the characters themselves, can empathize with these stories and the complicated (sometimes brutal) challenges of racism, misogyny, etc. the characters go through. I felt guided through new ideas and questions without feeling “preached” to. I especially loved the way Evaristo wrote about desire (sexual desire, but also friendship and life goals) and gritty coping mechanisms, like in Grace’s case. Each character felt so real, and the way their stories came together was so well-crafted.
Finally, at first I felt that the individual conversations about gender etc. were cheesy, but I think they’re actually pretty accurate representations of people working ideas out in real time (and of the author reaching more directly to readers, especially the end of ch. 5).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Xenophobia, Domestic abuse, and Rape
Minor: Self harm and Miscarriage