A review by confusible
Hurricane Girl by Marcy Dermansky

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

3.5

This was definitely not my usual read but I enjoyed shaking it up. I would not have thought it was possible to write an entire novel in deadpan and have it be engaging but Dermansky managed it. My interest was peaked right at the beginning reading about Allison’s move to the beach house. The monotone style gave the whole book a surreal feeling that fit well with the storyline, so much of it being things that happen to Allison that are out of her control. Her reactions to events were often strange but that was part of the point right? Life doesn’t always make sense. I felt bad for Allison and Danny and Allison’s mother. They all seemed like people who wanted connection but never really got it, only some kind of surface level imitation of it. I did like that Allison was judgmental, it was interesting reading thoughts about people I might have but wouldn’t say out loud . I’m on the fence about reading more Dermansky because the surreality of this book messed with my head a bit. I think it will stick with me but I’m not sure I want more. 
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