A review by newkgirl
You, by Caroline Kepnes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Joe Goldberg is the type of character that you love to hate and hate to love. His inner monologue takes you on a wild ride of absolute delusion, pretension, and a complete lack of self awareness.
And Joe is in love with Guinevere Beck, or rather the idea of her he’s created in his head while stalking her.
Joe is a completely unreliable narrator as he takes us through his world, giving everyone but Beck the least amount of thought and consideration. No one but her is as deep or emotionally mature as him. No one is as well read as him and her, no one matters but her.
When obstacles to their love pop up; a boyfriend here, a friend who wants her for herself there, and a therapist who becomes obsessed as well, Joe will do anything to “protect” Beck and keep them together. What’s a little murder in the name of love?
“You are a monster, deathly, solipsistic to the bone and you’re blasphemous because all you want is You.”
Caroline Kepnes’ ability to create a character such as Joe Goldberg is, to me, truly astounding and at the same time, quite unnerving. Caroline, are you okay? Did someone hurt you? Do you need help?
And Joe is in love with Guinevere Beck, or rather the idea of her he’s created in his head while stalking her.
Joe is a completely unreliable narrator as he takes us through his world, giving everyone but Beck the least amount of thought and consideration. No one but her is as deep or emotionally mature as him. No one is as well read as him and her, no one matters but her.
When obstacles to their love pop up; a boyfriend here, a friend who wants her for herself there, and a therapist who becomes obsessed as well, Joe will do anything to “protect” Beck and keep them together. What’s a little murder in the name of love?
“You are a monster, deathly, solipsistic to the bone and you’re blasphemous because all you want is You.”
Caroline Kepnes’ ability to create a character such as Joe Goldberg is, to me, truly astounding and at the same time, quite unnerving. Caroline, are you okay? Did someone hurt you? Do you need help?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Physical abuse, Confinement, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/injury detail, Car accident, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Death, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Addiction, Gaslighting, and Misogyny