oneskyolder's review against another edition
2.0
i'm so torn about how to rate disorientation because the novel has such important things to say about racism (and specifically, internalized racism), sexism, the immigrant experience, academia, etc. but my reading experience was just...not enjoyable.
i think i'd definitely be able to appreciate the book more if the main character, ingrid yang, wasn't so insufferable. the satire was also too over the top for me—i know that's the point, but i think i tend to lean towards stories with more subtlety and nuance (e.g. such a fun age by kiley reid).
overall, i'd still recommend this book to people and i'm interested in seeing what elaine hsieh chou writes next.
i think i'd definitely be able to appreciate the book more if the main character, ingrid yang, wasn't so insufferable. the satire was also too over the top for me—i know that's the point, but i think i tend to lean towards stories with more subtlety and nuance (e.g. such a fun age by kiley reid).
overall, i'd still recommend this book to people and i'm interested in seeing what elaine hsieh chou writes next.
danicallee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hope_lg's review against another edition
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
karolinaz's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ohhellokelli's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lindseycope's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I got this book because I read reviews saying it did what Yellowface was trying to do, but better. I think they’re too different to really compare; I appreciated how Chou created really dislikable characters (I almost stopped in the first 1/3 due to how frustrating the main character is). Chou does a fantastic job of highlighting internalized racism, appropriation, and sexualization of Asian women. Her satire of academia was also so effective.
However, I found it hit it’s peak and then continued for another unnecessary 100 pages. I was enthralled till that point, and then lost a lot of interest when the plot just kept going (without a lot happening). I found the end dissatisfying, though maybe that’s intentional.
However, I found it hit it’s peak and then continued for another unnecessary 100 pages. I was enthralled till that point, and then lost a lot of interest when the plot just kept going (without a lot happening). I found the end dissatisfying, though maybe that’s intentional.
martharose's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
doebaby's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
roseltov's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Read this! I’m up at 2am because I wanted to finish it.
A brilliant book which kept me hooked despite the supremely unreliable (and annoying) narrator. I laughed so much reading this book, it was brilliantly observed. The characters felt real (I wanted more of Eunice though). The DOFO parts were especially realistic and grimly familiar.. I love Ingrid’s character arc so much.
A brilliant book which kept me hooked despite the supremely unreliable (and annoying) narrator. I laughed so much reading this book, it was brilliantly observed. The characters felt real (I wanted more of Eunice though). The DOFO parts were especially realistic and grimly familiar.
Spoiler
The end isn’t tied up in a neat bow, but that makes it more realistic.alee02's review against another edition
5.0
Delicious satisfying novel. I was sad to leave the main character at the end.