A review by hue
If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.0

My problem was mainly with the narrator. The character itself, Elsie, was very immature for being 18. She read more like a 15/16 year old. The sort of stalky plotline with Ada's grandmother was almost creepy. Elsie didn't seem to care about her friends boundaries nor about their feelings whatsoever. She was selfish and hasty with decisions that didn't involve her at all. It made me really uncomfortable.

The writing left something to be desired. It was meh at best, and the dialogue between characters—both in person and via text messages—was clunky and strange. I don't think anyone speaks like that in real life. It sort of ruined the connections between the characters. 

Often I found the story rather overwritten. The plot was predictable, a bit messy and all over the place at times. If it would've focused on a few plot lines rather than so many at the same time (that didn't seem to go anywhere) it could've been a more pleasing reading experience.

I did however like most of the side characters. I adored Ritika (who I would've loved as the main character) and Felix. I also really liked Ada and Joan, but I feel like they could've gotten more character development to be more "realistic" somehow.
I also saw no chemistry between Elsie and Joan, which is unfortunate. It could've been really good.


The representation, and the many colors of the Queer rainbow was extremely nice! I do wish I would've like the story just a little more, but alas.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings