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A review by yilliun
My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Let’s start with the good things: Tallent does a wonderful job of making you feel like you are THERE with the characters and can construct beautiful scenes through his EXTREMELY descriptive writing style. Sometimes I felt like I was walking with Turtle through the woods and on the beach.
The not so good: this book lacked the nuance necessary to approach the topics of child abuse and incest.
Much of the time it felt like the author was writing from a totally different perspective than a 14 year old girl’s. I think there was a good story here, but there wasn’t enough compassion for Turtle. I understand that Tallent tried to walk the line between the deep care and fear Turtle held for her father. In the instances where we are immersed in Turtle’s stream of consciousness, Tallent excels at illustrating how the abuse permeates all aspects of Turtle’s life. He misses the mark more often than not. Specifically, the use of the word “pussy” for a 14 year old’s vagina is wholly inappropriate. It slants the scenes away from abuse and towards the experience being sexually gratifying (which is sadistic in its own way). Because of these scenes, I almost DNF’d this book. The twist ending did suck me back in.
I do think it was a satisfying ending to have Turtle kill Martin, her father. Turtle living with Anna in the end felt very Matilda/ Miss Honey dynamic to me
The not so good: this book lacked the nuance necessary to approach the topics of child abuse and incest.
Much of the time it felt like the author was writing from a totally different perspective than a 14 year old girl’s. I think there was a good story here, but there wasn’t enough compassion for Turtle. I understand that Tallent tried to walk the line between the deep care and fear Turtle held for her father. In the instances where we are immersed in Turtle’s stream of consciousness, Tallent excels at illustrating how the abuse permeates all aspects of Turtle’s life. He misses the mark more often than not. Specifically, the use of the word “pussy” for a 14 year old’s vagina is wholly inappropriate. It slants the scenes away from abuse and towards the experience being sexually gratifying (which is sadistic in its own way). Because of these scenes, I almost DNF’d this book. The twist ending did suck me back in.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
There are multiple graphic depictions of incest and physical abuse.