this is my first time reading Awkaeke Emezi and I’m sad about it but I’m disappointedddd.
I don’t think this type of plot or vibe were necessarily for this is my first time reading Awkaeke Emezi and I’m sad about it but I’m disappointedddd.
I don’t think this type of plot or vibe were necessarily for me, so bear that in mind. it’s a gritty thriller that is very trauma and sex heavy.
unfortunately, I felt the writing was pretty basic. I was hoping for a more literary style. not to mention the characters and story felt lacklustre and kind of flat.
I do still want to read some of their previous work though and this hasn’t put me off doing so!
definitely consider checking triggers before going in....more
this is one of those books I've seen loads of pre-release hype, but unfortunately for me, I didn’t really enjoy it. there are some interesting and ithis is one of those books I've seen loads of pre-release hype, but unfortunately for me, I didn’t really enjoy it. there are some interesting and important topics covered in this book such as racism, misogyny, creating a life for yourself as an immigrant, Asian fetishization, and the impact of broken families and extra-marital affairs. I did enjoy the exploration of these topics, some were maybe a little heavy-handed but I still think that what the author set out to do by discussing them was achieved. where my issue lies is with this being an “unhinged woman” book. I personally could not get on board with Ji-won’s descent into madness. the author gives her plenty of reason to have the kind of mental breakdown that she does, however, I had such a hard time believing it. I simply could not connect the character of Ji-won to the actions that she commits. there is a slight sub-plot that shows a darker element to Ji-won's personality, but we are introduced to her as a sheltered and sweet character over anything else, so I couldn't make myself accept or believe that she would switch so suddenly and aggressively. it's not so much a descent into madness, someone has cut the rope and she is plunging into madness at a crazy speed. I do think the author was making some commentary about the stereotype of East Asian women being meek and submissive but I don’t feel like Ji-won was the right character to make that statement with, at least not without wayyyy more character building and a much slower journey of getting us to the point where she is truly unhinged. I obviously don't like not enjoying books, especially debuts, and I'm disappointed this one didn't live up to the hype for me....more
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