A review by nixiethepixie
But the Girl by Jessica Zhan Mei Yu

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Listened as an audiobook.  This is a generous, introspective and tender story, beautifully shared from the perspective of a 23 year old second-generation Malaysian-Australian gal trying to figure things out. Both enriched and burdened by her family history and obligation, giftedness, wits and ambition, we follow Girl as she undertakes an artist residency in Europe. Touching on artistic process, while reflecting upon the burdens of being an Asian body and woman in this world - this book is relatable and moving in ways I didn’t expect. At times I felt caught off-guard by its honesty. Perhaps some of its politics felt a little heavy-handed, but equally it’s joyous to witness certain reflections shared in literature, particularly from an Australian perspective. A beautiful book, and while not life changing, it’s one I feel grateful to have encountered.