Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - Boy Parts

This book was twisted and captivating. Casual writing style with a sociopathic, apathetic narrator. Annoyingly, I took a break in the middle of reading it, so I feel like I lost the flow, meaning her descent lost a bit of impact for me. Stomach was in knots for most of the book. Ending was a little open and I felt the storyline of the book could have fleshed things out more, but I acknowledge the story was more about the characters than the plot. Made me thankful I’m sober.

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Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

have a huge note on my phone with a bunch of different thoughts, observations, and conclusions but overall i think this book was just. interesting! the writing style, while good, feels a little dated even though this was only written a couple years ago. i think that more has to do with the fact that it is painfully obvious that the author spent too much time on either tumblr and/or engaging in internet discourse throughout the 2010s. despite all the blurbs and quotes on the book stating otherwise, i also did not find it to be all that funny or have any real humour – just callous and mean observations from irina about those around her.

i think that it presents a lot of different ideas and critiques about gender, power, desire and identity but still leaves much to be desired. where i do think this book excelled was in highlighting irina’s relationship with her art. without going into too much detail or large spoilers, i think that her journey to becoming the artist that she is, revisiting those moments in her education through her gallery show, and tying so much of her own self and perceptions into the art that she creates was a great way to understand her character’s arc throughout the book.

exploring irina's relationship with her art and how it immobilizes any sort of personal growth i think also highlights similar issues to this book as a whole. that despite being provocative, risqué and uncomfortable, without any real sort of vulnerability or reflection (which, at least in irina’s case, is by design) it hinders its ability to truly make a lasting impact. i think the real value of the book will be able to talk and discuss irina’s character and experiences throughout the book with other women, so i am grateful that i'm reading this as part of a book club and excited to see what insights our discussion will bring!

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