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A review by hgullegrogan
Milk Fed by Melissa Broder
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.0
I started reading this book before I knew anything about it, because I put my trust in the StoryGraph AI (I still do by the way). Given this, I was very quickly put off with the content of this book. Maybe 50 pages into the book, Rachel has a sexual fantasy about her coworker. Sure, I get it. BUT, her fantasy is that her coworker is actually her mother, and she's having SEX with her. I did not sign up for incest fantasies. A check of the book's summary hints that sexual desire will be addressed, but certainly not in this way.
Unfortunately, the book contains multiple shocking sexual fantasies. It's clear that the author is trying to symbolize Rachel's various dysfunctional personal relationships in this way, but I don't believe it to be effective.
As off-putting as these sexual moments are, I'm most irritated by the laundry list of mental illnesses the author gave Rachel, without putting the thought and time into portraying them authentically. For instance, Rachel starts out anorexic, but after falling in love, is cured of her eating disorder. Then, Rachel struggles with her Jewish and Sexual identities, both of which are hinted at but never discussed in a meaningful way.
In addition to all this, Rachel is a sexual predator. She forces herself onto Miriam, disregards her boundaries, and masterbates in a PUBLIC gym right next to a stranger! So gross. Despite these abhorring behaviors, it is clear that MB considers Rachel a relatable, lovable character.
I feel that if MB chose one topic to delve into, her story could have been much better and far more meaningful. The stark honesty and casual writing style are completely up my alley, which is why the AI's recommendation of this book is understandable to me. And, I will continue to trust the AI suggestions.
Ultimately, I read this book quickly, because I was drawn into the shock of the story, but I would not recommend it, because it encourages harmful behaviors and provides no meaningful discourse on any of them.
Unfortunately, the book contains multiple shocking sexual fantasies. It's clear that the author is trying to symbolize Rachel's various dysfunctional personal relationships in this way, but I don't believe it to be effective.
As off-putting as these sexual moments are, I'm most irritated by the laundry list of mental illnesses the author gave Rachel, without putting the thought and time into portraying them authentically. For instance, Rachel starts out anorexic, but after falling in love, is cured of her eating disorder. Then, Rachel struggles with her Jewish and Sexual identities, both of which are hinted at but never discussed in a meaningful way.
In addition to all this, Rachel is a sexual predator. She forces herself onto Miriam, disregards her boundaries, and masterbates in a PUBLIC gym right next to a stranger! So gross. Despite these abhorring behaviors, it is clear that MB considers Rachel a relatable, lovable character.
I feel that if MB chose one topic to delve into, her story could have been much better and far more meaningful. The stark honesty and casual writing style are completely up my alley, which is why the AI's recommendation of this book is understandable to me. And, I will continue to trust the AI suggestions.
Ultimately, I read this book quickly, because I was drawn into the shock of the story, but I would not recommend it, because it encourages harmful behaviors and provides no meaningful discourse on any of them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Incest, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault and Xenophobia