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readerette's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
You might read the About the Author section first to give you a better chance of engaging with this book in the spirit the author intended.
I did not read the About the Author first, and it's hard to say in retrospect if it would have helped me, given that I don't gravitate toward unadulterated darkness (which does make Palahniuk's works something of a challenge). Mostly this is a book about spoiled, ignorant adults who stay in the mindset of children and engage in dark behaviors such as murder, rape, general debauchery, and spoiling others' lives. It doesn't feel to me like it has a deeper meaning despite what is said in the About the Author (which is quite touching). Aside from the extreme nature of the main characters' immaturity seemingly intended as a mockery of such behavior, there isn't much happening in this story and the characters don't grow (a pet peeve of mine). It could also be interpreted as anti-femme and homophobic, though I don't think that's the intent.
It's well written, though I'd be curious if British readers find the British-isms over the top.
I did not read the About the Author first, and it's hard to say in retrospect if it would have helped me, given that I don't gravitate toward unadulterated darkness (which does make Palahniuk's works something of a challenge). Mostly this is a book about spoiled, ignorant adults who stay in the mindset of children and engage in dark behaviors such as murder, rape, general debauchery, and spoiling others' lives. It doesn't feel to me like it has a deeper meaning despite what is said in the About the Author (which is quite touching). Aside from the extreme nature of the main characters' immaturity seemingly intended as a mockery of such behavior, there isn't much happening in this story and the characters don't grow (a pet peeve of mine). It could also be interpreted as anti-femme and homophobic, though I don't think that's the intent.
It's well written, though I'd be curious if British readers find the British-isms over the top.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Incest, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Classism
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