A review by agathajanemaud1908
The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe

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

3.0

Definitely did not enjoy this as much as Thorpe’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles. It’s similar to her The Girls from Corona Del Mar in that they are absorbing, wrenching reads, but I always felt somewhat removed from the characters and what was happening to them. Super strange since this book and I believe The Girls are both in first person, while Margo alternates between first and third person.
With The Girls and Margo, I wasn’t a fan of all of the characters’ actions but I came to understand them through the great storytelling and insight into their motives. With this book, I never really understood why Bunny did certain things, but I guess that’s partly because we’re seeing her through Michael’s eyes and he is almost always fascinated by her. If you haven’t read any Rufi Thorpe yet, I wouldn’t recommend this book as the one to start with.
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