A review by time_travel_tragedy
Docile by K. M. Szpara

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

3.75

This book was very well written I give it that. I absolutely loved how it explores the capitalist aspects of this book. It was very well done. And most of what he wrote in terms of the exploration of healthy relationships and consent were really well done. It was such a compelling read, and it had really strong messaging throughout 90% of the book, which is why I rated it so high. However, of course it falls short. 

I think he undermines his entire book with the last chapter. You went through all of that, to throw all of it away for a traditional happy ending??? I feel like he really did break a lot of ground with this book, and he could have had a happy, satisfying ending, but he throws part of the messaging in the trash with the last chapter. I don't know if he was pressured into it or what, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The main character went through so much to find himself, and then backslides backwards to more than likely lose himself again. 

I thought the "sex" scenes were a little to graphic for my taste, but I don't fault the book for that and even some of them aid in telling the story K. M. Szpara is trying to tell, and helps get his message across. That's not why I took off 1.75 stars. It was almost a five star book. But the main character goes through so much. And there are parts where it is flat out stated that a part of what he goes through is rape. But also many where it is almost forgotten? And the ending?? Like if you have no choice, you can't consent. And even in the acknowledgements the author calls them sex scenes. And I'm like sir, I thought part of the thesis of the book is that it's not sex because sex requires consent, which under the circumstances, he couldn't give?? 

SpoilerI also just don't know how going through everything he goes through, he can just forgive the guy that has the biggest hand in it aside from the "sex"?? It just doesn't sit right with me. I was really hoping this book wasn't going to play out with the ending of forgiving the abuser, which is essentially what the forgiven party was. Basically the last chapter pretty much goes against everything the rest of the book stands for. I understand that it is a very systemic issue. But that doesn't mean Elisha has to forgive shit. The other guy can work on himself and do better and change to help the rest of society. And that's a great message. The other guy gets to go and make a better man out of himself. Elisha gets to go and figure out who he is and who he wants to be. And gets to be happy outside of his abuser. The message being "Yes, the other guy should be allowed to continue on in society and improve himself and help others. BUT Elisha doesn't and probably shouldn't allow him to stay in his life just because the other guy changed. It's too late the damage is done, and it was damning." Just my two scents.


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