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A review by preciouslittleingenue
Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
Such a brave, beautifully vulnerable narrative. To allow oneself to relive such traumas enough to authentically replicate them for mass production to be read by thousands is just so brave. The Sapphlit interview with Jaquira Diaz was so enlightening and inspiring. The care she takes with herself and with her words, for the sake of the mental safety of those reading her stories, is so beautiful.
Her way of crafting her real life into almost a mythological tale, like La Llorona (who she mentions) is so fascinating and effective.
“My brother and I, we were the same: part monster, part mouse.” So incredibly demonstrative of how people who do horrible things are often cowards, and also shows the empathy Diaz has for even the people who hurt her the most.
Regarding the woman terrorist who attacked as a radical form of protesting for Puerto Rican liberty:
“mentions…anything related to who she was or what she did. Instead, the headline mentions her fucking. Red. Lipstick.” Yup. That sounds about right. Obviously not that this woman was “in the right,” and I don’t think Jaquira thinks that either. But because it was a woman…all they see is the red lipstick. My rage FLARED when I heard that line.
“…slowly, slowly, love you back to life.” What a beautiful sentiment. I absolutely know what she means.
Not to mention all the bi panic that was so enlightening to hear, her insight on racism/colorism, the way she touched upon the strange nuance of queerness in the military/navy…just so much good stuff. So very glad this was Sapphlit’s September book. Cannot wait to read her novel in progress.
Her way of crafting her real life into almost a mythological tale, like La Llorona (who she mentions) is so fascinating and effective.
“My brother and I, we were the same: part monster, part mouse.” So incredibly demonstrative of how people who do horrible things are often cowards, and also shows the empathy Diaz has for even the people who hurt her the most.
Regarding the woman terrorist who attacked as a radical form of protesting for Puerto Rican liberty:
“mentions…anything related to who she was or what she did. Instead, the headline mentions her fucking. Red. Lipstick.” Yup. That sounds about right. Obviously not that this woman was “in the right,” and I don’t think Jaquira thinks that either. But because it was a woman…all they see is the red lipstick. My rage FLARED when I heard that line.
“…slowly, slowly, love you back to life.” What a beautiful sentiment. I absolutely know what she means.
Not to mention all the bi panic that was so enlightening to hear, her insight on racism/colorism, the way she touched upon the strange nuance of queerness in the military/navy…just so much good stuff. So very glad this was Sapphlit’s September book. Cannot wait to read her novel in progress.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Drug abuse, Blood, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Drug use, and Alcohol
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs