A review by moonilism
A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing by Eimear McBride

challenging dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Errr ok so if you like books that contain at least one character that feels happiness for at least one moment in their life, probably not the book for you. If you like complete sentences and fully formed thoughts, also not for you. To be fair though, I like both those things but I definitely appreciated the merit of this book. It's a short read, but a tough one. It's unlike anything else I've read, told from the first person in a full stream of consciousness detailing family tragedy, sexual depravity and the environment of shame from which it all sprung. My Irish friend read this and said it reignited her hatred for the church. Maybe that says enough? This was a really epic undertaking to write, I can imagine, and kudos to Eimear McBride for doing it. Just maybe don't choose it as your summer beach read. 
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