A review by rageandresist
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I first read this when I was 16. A fresh coming-of-age story for my age. I loved how simple yet deep the story was. But now looking back at it, there are so many questionable views on racism and body-image; how Rowell has failed herself to highlight both issue inclusively. Instead, she somehow depicts Eleanor, as a white girl, in a position where she wishes to be other minority group just so she can feel belong with the person she likes. It's also full of ableist takes and fat-phobic hatreds toward Eleanor herself; which is too cruel for a girl that age. I mean, that's what most of us would see in reality, but why could not Rowell turn the loathes in the most body-neutrality tone as possible instead of romanticizing her sufferings to be considered as something "valuable" first? For short, it's full of white gaze and the romanticazion of self-hates.
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