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cityofstarlight_library 's review for:
Eliza and Her Monsters
by Francesca Zappia
3.5 stars
Well, this book was certainly different to what I thought it would be! I expected some kind of fluffy, fandom-fun contemporary novel that was a bit light-hearted. I was wrong. Where it is related to being a fangirl, following forums, writing fan fiction and making fanart, chatting to fellow fans over the internet, it also had a completely different feel to it.
Eliza is our protagonist, an introverted creator of Monsterous Sea, an online phenomenon. While she makes money off merchandise and has a large fanbase from sharing a popular comic online every week for the past 3 years, it shows the stresses behind it all. Deadlines, writers block, the fear of her real identity coming out, fear of letting people down and losing her anonymity. I found the last 40% of the book highly emotional, giving off what I feel is an accurate representation of anxiety.
I had no idea there were When going into this book I literally had no idea it was basically a darker version of Fangirl, but it did show a realistic side to things like social anxiety, stress, family problems and feelings of hopelessness.
It's a very thought-provoking book.
I will say though, Wallace and Eliza's relationship was very cute to read, they slowly opened up to one another, writing notes and having a common passion for Monsterous Sea. They are actually the sweetest. He was an interesting character too, his inability to speak in front of people unless he feels comfortable with them, his dreams and aspirations being shattered by his own family, and his trust in someone being completely shredded after finally learning to be open with them. Poor guy has gone through a lot, I want to wrap him in a blanket and keep him from harm.
I really do love the portrayal of Eliza's online friends, she speaks to Emmy and Max most days, living in different parts of the world and being able to chat about almost anything. I found the struggles and the dynamic of their relationship very realistic, as I myself have many friends that I chat to online, who I do consider actual friends, not just 'online friends'.
Besides, sometimes it's easier to talk to people if you don't see them face to face, and it doesn't matter if you're not friends who meet up in person, they're still part of your life. Going through things life throws at you, it's always easier to talk to someone who isn't involved in your day-to-day life, getting an outsider perspective. And I truly feel that Zappia has portrayed this accurately in this novel, and I was so pleased this was included!
They also had great banter. "I'M FOURTEEN!!!", ha.
Certainly an interesting one, sometimes the pacing lagged a bit for me but overall it was a thoughtful and interesting book. I'd say, if you've been involved in any fandoms and like stories that are emotionally charged, this one is for you.
Well, this book was certainly different to what I thought it would be! I expected some kind of fluffy, fandom-fun contemporary novel that was a bit light-hearted. I was wrong. Where it is related to being a fangirl, following forums, writing fan fiction and making fanart, chatting to fellow fans over the internet, it also had a completely different feel to it.
Eliza is our protagonist, an introverted creator of Monsterous Sea, an online phenomenon. While she makes money off merchandise and has a large fanbase from sharing a popular comic online every week for the past 3 years, it shows the stresses behind it all. Deadlines, writers block, the fear of her real identity coming out, fear of letting people down and losing her anonymity. I found the last 40% of the book highly emotional, giving off what I feel is an accurate representation of anxiety.
I had no idea there were
Spoiler
thoughts of and a possible suicide attempt in this book.It's a very thought-provoking book.
I will say though, Wallace and Eliza's relationship was very cute to read, they slowly opened up to one another, writing notes and having a common passion for Monsterous Sea.
Spoiler
Wallace asking her via note if he can kiss her, just adorable!I really do love the portrayal of Eliza's online friends, she speaks to Emmy and Max most days, living in different parts of the world and being able to chat about almost anything. I found the struggles and the dynamic of their relationship very realistic, as I myself have many friends that I chat to online, who I do consider actual friends, not just 'online friends'.
Besides, sometimes it's easier to talk to people if you don't see them face to face, and it doesn't matter if you're not friends who meet up in person, they're still part of your life. Going through things life throws at you, it's always easier to talk to someone who isn't involved in your day-to-day life, getting an outsider perspective. And I truly feel that Zappia has portrayed this accurately in this novel, and I was so pleased this was included!
They also had great banter. "I'M FOURTEEN!!!", ha.
Certainly an interesting one, sometimes the pacing lagged a bit for me but overall it was a thoughtful and interesting book. I'd say, if you've been involved in any fandoms and like stories that are emotionally charged, this one is for you.