A review by tataro
Four by Four by Sara Mesa

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

4.5

I picked this up from the library because I thought the cover looked sick, but I was surprised that I really enjoyed this book. From the moment I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Sara Mesa does a damn good job of writing flawed characters.

I also enjoyed the main theme of this story being the cycle of abuse and the power dynamics between the powerful and powerless. Like the fact that in Ignacio's development, he goes from being bullied abused to someone who bullies and abuses others. It's morally wrong, and his actions are not at all okay, but seeing what Héctor did to him, I can see how he ended up this way. The kids in this story are all victims of the adults, whether that be direct or indirect. The colich masquerades as being a school that strives for greatness and prowess, while also being sympathetic with the student's needs and concerns. In actuality, it's the adults, who have the power and who are supposed to be there for the children, who take advantage of their blind loyalty.
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I don't know too much about the historical context of this book, but based on my impressions after my first read I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys flawed characters and dark themes. Mesa is not one to shy away from graphic details, but I think they're intentional. 

One critique I have of the writing has to be the way fatphobia is baked into the character's way of speech. It doesn't feel specific to one person, but I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but I just found it interesting how in detail Mesa went into describing someone who was considered fat.
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