A review by sexpest
Difficult Women by Roxane Gay

adventurous challenging dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is one of the best books I have read. I love short stories that still somehow intertwine and Gay does an incredible job incorporating similar threads through each piece while still keeping each story an individual piece of intense storytelling. It's important that each chapter is no more than 20 pages due to the intensity of each story. To be so descriptive, and heart-wrenching, while still being concise is an incredible feat that Gay conquers incredibly well. Be aware that there are lots of talks of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and overall violence towards women. There are also talks of child deaths and difficult pregnancies with the loss of children, as well as gorey descriptions of hunting animals. Never once have these triggering topics felt out of place though - they all serve a large purpose in the stories being told which I appreciate deeply. The writing style reminds me a lot of Carmen Maria Machado's Her Body and Other Parties, which is another book I rated 5/5 stars. Love this author immensely.
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