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A review by joreadsbooks
Jagged Little Pill by Eric Smith
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content warning: rape, mental illness, drug abuse
It seems that every problem I have with the narrative in this book is endemic to the musical. In my opinion, the narrative bites off way more than it can chew in terms of exploring trauma, with none of the characters gets the depth or complexity necessary to pull this off. Every character seemed to serve a role in the plot rather having their own place. For example, Bella seems to be exist only to be assaulted and to be a martyr. Phoenix exists to cause a rift between the sapphic couple of Jo and Frankie. Any one of the stories given the space to breathe could be compelling. Less than 300 pages is simply not enough.
If you're a fan of the original musical, you will enjoy this book. Otherwise, it's not really reflection of the author's artistic ability when it comes to characterization and plotting. I will also note that if you're expecting the character of Jo to be a they/them-pronoun using nonbinary person, this is never stated in the text.
It seems that every problem I have with the narrative in this book is endemic to the musical. In my opinion, the narrative bites off way more than it can chew in terms of exploring trauma, with none of the characters gets the depth or complexity necessary to pull this off. Every character seemed to serve a role in the plot rather having their own place. For example, Bella seems to be exist only to be assaulted and to be a martyr. Phoenix exists to cause a rift between the sapphic couple of Jo and Frankie. Any one of the stories given the space to breathe could be compelling. Less than 300 pages is simply not enough.
If you're a fan of the original musical, you will enjoy this book. Otherwise, it's not really reflection of the author's artistic ability when it comes to characterization and plotting. I will also note that if you're expecting the character of Jo to be a they/them-pronoun using nonbinary person, this is never stated in the text.