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A review by chareadsss
Jaded by Ela Lee
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
When I'd attended @thecandidbookclub's event with @ela__lee to discuss her debut novel, 'Jaded', the discussion/s that it sparked really piqued my interest and I knew that this was going to be an important and hard-hitting read.
Despite the heavy and sensitive themes, 'Jaded' still felt like a digestible read to me. Lee mentions that it depicts the "nuances of recovery and it's non-linear nature", and she does a great job with this, showing the raw, complicated and uncomfortable feelings that can follow SA.
Whilst I sometimes struggled with Ceyda/Jade's character, and found her quite frustrating, I did find her engaging as a narrator and couldn't help but want better for her. It was heartwarming to see her start embracing more of her culture and her journey into self-acceptance, and I loved learning more about Korean and Turkish culture and customs.
Lee could've easily gone the sensationalised and OTT route, but I'm so glad she opted for a more subtle and sensitive portrayal. This approach felt more authentic and effective, and really captured the emotion and gravity of a traumatic situation that too many women have unfortunately experienced. I did have some qualms about one particular plot device but this didn't take much away from the story.
And, Kit...THIS GUY ๐ญ He really had me oscillating between ๐ and ๐ฎ, and that white male privilege was REAL.
Having read several books where different themes are (unnecessarily) thrown in left, right and centre, it was refreshing to read something where there was a clear focus and investment in the character development and experiences. The theme of identity fitted in well, along with the commentary on the pressures of corporate culture and the expectation of women in such environments.
'Jaded' doesn't play out as I expected, but I think this is important. Not everyone who's experienced/reported SA will think or respond the same, and not all perpetrators suffer the consequences ๐ This also has to have one of my favourite epilogues to date! Lee produced something so poignant here and I really felt for Jade.
โRatingโ - 4/5
Despite the heavy and sensitive themes, 'Jaded' still felt like a digestible read to me. Lee mentions that it depicts the "nuances of recovery and it's non-linear nature", and she does a great job with this, showing the raw, complicated and uncomfortable feelings that can follow SA.
Whilst I sometimes struggled with Ceyda/Jade's character, and found her quite frustrating, I did find her engaging as a narrator and couldn't help but want better for her. It was heartwarming to see her start embracing more of her culture and her journey into self-acceptance, and I loved learning more about Korean and Turkish culture and customs.
Lee could've easily gone the sensationalised and OTT route, but I'm so glad she opted for a more subtle and sensitive portrayal. This approach felt more authentic and effective, and really captured the emotion and gravity of a traumatic situation that too many women have unfortunately experienced. I did have some qualms about one particular plot device but this didn't take much away from the story.
And, Kit...THIS GUY ๐ญ He really had me oscillating between ๐ and ๐ฎ, and that white male privilege was REAL.
Having read several books where different themes are (unnecessarily) thrown in left, right and centre, it was refreshing to read something where there was a clear focus and investment in the character development and experiences. The theme of identity fitted in well, along with the commentary on the pressures of corporate culture and the expectation of women in such environments.
'Jaded' doesn't play out as I expected, but I think this is important. Not everyone who's experienced/reported SA will think or respond the same, and not all perpetrators suffer the consequences ๐ This also has to have one of my favourite epilogues to date! Lee produced something so poignant here and I really felt for Jade.
โRatingโ - 4/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Racial slurs