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A review by janaaier
The List by Yomi Adegoke
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-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
The List has a topical premise that could alienate readers during its process but holds complexity in its realism. It could be read as a capsule of different abuse apologist perspectives. The way the main characters' self-justifying script is portrayed through a critical lense but the journey is a bumpy ride. I think the majority of the book is directed towards those who entertain simplistic perspectives on interpersonal violence. It was a little exhausting to read about a build-a-boyfriend corporate feminist dithering ad nauseum about her hypocritical personal politics. It was also tiring to read the perspective of the aforementioned unbuilt boyfriend, the petty misogynist podcaster.
The main characters are both deeply self-interested and morally grey from the beginning. The book is obsessed with what the List means for the main couple's material circumstances: reputation and money. The input they receive from side characters is also focused for the majority of the book on the social and professional consequences of the accusations. Many of the characters come across as unprincipled and disappointing. The brief guilty conscience scenes asides, the cast do not think of reaching out to potential victims, healing community harm, or ensuring the safety of friends and family - mostly distasteful masticating over damage control. That being said, the book is very aware of the characters' flaws and illuminates them.
It felt like reading a social horror.
The main characters are both deeply self-interested and morally grey from the beginning. The book is obsessed with what the List means for the main couple's material circumstances: reputation and money. The input they receive from side characters is also focused for the majority of the book on the social and professional consequences of the accusations. Many of the characters come across as unprincipled and disappointing. The brief guilty conscience scenes asides, the cast do not think of reaching out to potential victims, healing community harm, or ensuring the safety of friends and family - mostly distasteful masticating over damage control. That being said, the book is very aware of the characters' flaws and illuminates them.
It felt like reading a social horror.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Misogyny, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Car accident, and Alcohol