A review by psychedelicize555
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas

challenging dark sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

Truly a terrible book. Ever wanted to read a book filled with all the critical comments your mother made about her body in front of you when you were eleven? Then this book is for you! Insufferable main character, hell bent on simultaneously fawning over and criticising her pervert husband. You know how people say your partner is a reflection of your worst qualities? These two are like gigantic (pervy) mirrors. Add in a creepy infatuation with a forty year old college lecturer that is either informed by a legitimate flirtation on his behalf or just evidence of delusion on her behalf - you have a droll, irritatingly male-centred (dare i say obsessed / infatuated) novel.  The main character is so indecisive it makes me want to rip my hair out. She is so insecure and never fails to pit her ageing body against an unknowing younger woman’s body. Can’t women just exist? She’s a failed critical feminist, intent on coming across that way but every fibre of her being proves otherwise. Without spoilers, the ending is so uncreative it feels almost offensive that I was forced to read so much only to be (could you even call it this) rewarded with such a miserable conclusion. Sorry JMJ - nothing against you. Maybe we just don’t need a book about 2 insecure boomers projecting their weird fucking lives onto younger people? I really don’t know what the point of this book was. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings