A review by blackmetalblackheart
Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda

challenging dark emotional sad tense 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

5.0

 Jawbone is not a book for everyone. It is profoundly disturbing at times; filled with messy characters, intense trauma, manipulative behavior, and torture. Yet there is a depth to its message; the connections of the characters, the bonds of mothers and daughters, the idea of purity and potential. The stream of consciousness style of writing gets into the heads of these characters in a way that captures their unique voices, thoughts, and perspectives. Sitting here after having finished, there is an unsettled feeling in my stomach; an uneasiness that is hard to capture in words. And that is the power of this book. Ojeda, and the amazing work of the translator, presents something visceral and powerful. Some will be turned off by that, but those who are not will find something truly excellent within these pages. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, and Toxic friendship

Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Animal death