Reviews with content warning for Classism - Everything's Fine

This isn’t a romantic story, and people who think that was the author’s aim haven’t understood anything they’ve read. There is clearly a social critique of people in positions of privilege who, because they are not affected by the system (i.e. the systemic patriarchal, sexist and racist system), think that others are irrational and hysterical and are just exaggerating and victimising themselves. Josh may not be obviously cruel, but he’s part of the problem, a walking red flag. And I think the ending, although somewhat open, is ominous. Jess, run.

Content Warnings

arthur_ant18's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

1.25

Content Warnings

thevioletfoxbookshop's review against another edition

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challenging emotional tense medium-paced

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

5.0

This book absolutely floored me! I devoured the entire thing in one weekend. It's a fast read, but don't let that fool you - it's jam packed with heavy emotion, big issues, and uncomfortable truths.

Everything's Fine is the debut novel by Cecilia Rabess that will leave you unsettled, eyes wide, knowing one thing for certain - everything is definitely not fine. It's the story of a young Black woman, her career in New York City finance, and her relationship with Josh, a white conservative man. So it is about a relationship, but it's more of an enemies to questionable friends to toxic relationship lovers, but still kind of enemies all along kind of story. It's about racism, politics, class, sexism, capitalism, identity, and so much more. There's so much to unpack and consider in this book and it is incredibly difficult to read on an emotional level because it can be very triggering.

I'll be honest - I've typed and deleted paragraphs of this review over and over. It's difficult to find the words. I think it's going to make a big splash when it hits shelves - people are either going to rave or rage about it. I'm not going to pretend that I understood all of it (because I can never fully understand what it's like to be a Black woman in the US), but I will say that this book has made me THINK. And that more than anything - the thinking and consideration - is important.

This book is such a mix of opposites. A black liberal woman in a relationship with a white conservative man. So simply put yet so complex and layered. an absolute page-turner somehow dealing with numerous divisive issues. It's about what unites us and what divides us. It is simultaneously vulnerable and scathing. It's both analytical and deeply personal. You'll get it, but you won't. You'll keep turning the pages wanting more, but it will also make you sick. You'll feel a lot like Jess - you know you shouldn't and it's not good for you, but you can't help yourself.

I know this book has been very controversial. But here's the thing - in my opinion - just because the book deal with difficult, uncomfortable, ugly stuff, does not mean it was a bad book. The controversy means conversation is happening about this stuff and I think that matters.

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