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A review by pdxpagemaster
The Princess of 72nd Street by Elaine Kraf
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The beginning of this book is an intricate look into the mind of someone experiencing a state of psychosis and mania, from their internalized POV. You dance along the dazzling world with her as she awakens into "radiances" that guide her actions and relationships.
At first, you find yourself celebrating with her - but when you take a moment to look outside of what she's expressing and understand the reality of what is happening to her, you're hit with some shock and horror.
This is one of the best books I have read about the reality of mental illness. As our narrator leaves her "seventh radiance" and collides into the "real world" again you are left feeling desperately sad for her but also urgently seeking hope on her behalf. I found myself wanting to protect her.
"I don't want to have to hide things, or deny them - even to myself."
Really profound, poetic, and devastating.
At first, you find yourself celebrating with her - but when you take a moment to look outside of what she's expressing and understand the reality of what is happening to her, you're hit with some shock and horror.
This is one of the best books I have read about the reality of mental illness. As our narrator leaves her "seventh radiance" and collides into the "real world" again you are left feeling desperately sad for her but also urgently seeking hope on her behalf. I found myself wanting to protect her.
"I don't want to have to hide things, or deny them - even to myself."
Really profound, poetic, and devastating.