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A review by hannia222
Yes, Daddy by Jonathan Parks-Ramage
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I was in no way prepared for the force of this novel. (s/o to @adancewithwords for the rec)
tw: graphic violence (physical/sexual), rape, substance abuse, homophobia
Yes, Daddy follows Jonah Keller, a young, ambitious writer scraping by in New York, who schemes a meeting with the rich and successful Richard Shriver, a playwright himself. An affair, cemented in the imbalance of power, ensues, and what follows is a twisted tale of abuse and violence.
From the very beginning, Parks-Ramage peels away the layers of Jonah's character, hereby showing his vulnerability and how lack of validation leads to his later mistakes. These aspects alone make the novel worth a read - it is a character study, both of Jonah and of #MeToo. The critical exploration of trauma allows the reader to empathise with a very flawed, often even unlikable character - something essential in our time, where victim blaming is still commonplace.
The first 60% is truly impossible to put down. Although often painful to read, it is fast-paced and able to elicit strong emotional response often, without becoming over-the-top or unrealistic. The build up of tension is spaced out in a ways that give each twist a sense of realisation rather than shock. This was brilliantly done, considering that sexual abuse stories so often hide in plain sight in reality.
The next few chapters felt a bit all over the place, but to the book as a whole they remain relevant to Jonah's journey. The effects of his experiences never leave the story (rightfully), rather manifesting themselves in any and all aspects of his life. Towards the end a good pace is achieved again, and allows the novel to be tied up in a hopeful way. I also think the book deserves to be acknowledged for the constructive way it deals with therapy, forgiveness and religion - especially in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The use of the second person allows the book to feel even more personal, though never directed at the reader. Although I wouldn't say I have any special attachment to Jonah, his turmoil resonated with me from beginning to end. I unexpectedly found tears of anger streaming down my face as I made my way through this novel, crying at the injustice but also saddened by the fact that this is a book rooted in truth. It's a powerful story, strengthened by its implications and inspiration, that will stay with me for a long time.
tw: graphic violence (physical/sexual), rape, substance abuse, homophobia
Yes, Daddy follows Jonah Keller, a young, ambitious writer scraping by in New York, who schemes a meeting with the rich and successful Richard Shriver, a playwright himself. An affair, cemented in the imbalance of power, ensues, and what follows is a twisted tale of abuse and violence.
From the very beginning, Parks-Ramage peels away the layers of Jonah's character, hereby showing his vulnerability and how lack of validation leads to his later mistakes. These aspects alone make the novel worth a read - it is a character study, both of Jonah and of #MeToo. The critical exploration of trauma allows the reader to empathise with a very flawed, often even unlikable character - something essential in our time, where victim blaming is still commonplace.
The first 60% is truly impossible to put down. Although often painful to read, it is fast-paced and able to elicit strong emotional response often, without becoming over-the-top or unrealistic. The build up of tension is spaced out in a ways that give each twist a sense of realisation rather than shock. This was brilliantly done, considering that sexual abuse stories so often hide in plain sight in reality.
The next few chapters felt a bit all over the place, but to the book as a whole they remain relevant to Jonah's journey. The effects of his experiences never leave the story (rightfully), rather manifesting themselves in any and all aspects of his life. Towards the end a good pace is achieved again, and allows the novel to be tied up in a hopeful way. I also think the book deserves to be acknowledged for the constructive way it deals with therapy, forgiveness and religion - especially in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The use of the second person allows the book to feel even more personal, though never directed at the reader. Although I wouldn't say I have any special attachment to Jonah, his turmoil resonated with me from beginning to end. I unexpectedly found tears of anger streaming down my face as I made my way through this novel, crying at the injustice but also saddened by the fact that this is a book rooted in truth. It's a powerful story, strengthened by its implications and inspiration, that will stay with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug use, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Trafficking, and Violence