A review by shortstackz
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Bright Young Women takes the victims of a serial killer and breathes much needed life back into their stories. There have been countless stories of the defendant told throughout the years, and we have all heard his name. Until now the stories of his victims hadn't been told.

We mainly follow the story of Denise, a college student at Florida State who was brutally murdered by the defendant. Instead of glorifying him for being mediocre, this narrative shines a bright interrogation light directly on his incompetence and all the careless police work that led to his success. Our main POV is told from Pamela, who was best friends with Denise. Pamela is articulate, ambitious, and smart, yet somehow her narrative wasn't believed by police or press over the defendant. 

The misogyny of law and victim blaming is alarming. The prose holds a primary tone of accountability with undertones of feminine rage. I loved every minute of getting to know the sorority girls as they were, HE has had enough fame. It's their story now.
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