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librar_bee's review
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
2 stars. Without a doubt, Fishman is a brilliant writer, and parts of this novel shine through with their sharp wit and incisive critiques about modern sexuality. Too often, though, she fell back on the phrase "acts of service," telling rather than showing, the nuances of the intertwined relationships depicted in the book.
Similarly to Dykette, this is a novel that explores the messiness of queerness against an eerie backdrop, where ultimately nothing comes to pass in the way of plot or character development. While some interesting commentary on desire, shame, and relationship dynamics was raised, I felt as though it never fully panned out. The novel being so short felt almost like a cop-out, that the concept became too tangled and unsustainable by the end. I would have been more engaged if this had been a novella, or if this had been a full-length novel that delved more into the tension and darkness beyond rambly paragraphs from Eve's POV.
Similarly to Dykette, this is a novel that explores the messiness of queerness against an eerie backdrop, where ultimately nothing comes to pass in the way of plot or character development. While some interesting commentary on desire, shame, and relationship dynamics was raised, I felt as though it never fully panned out. The novel being so short felt almost like a cop-out, that the concept became too tangled and unsustainable by the end. I would have been more engaged if this had been a novella, or if this had been a full-length novel that delved more into the tension and darkness beyond rambly paragraphs from Eve's POV.
ammonsmp's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Glimpses of brilliance but overall pretty insufferable. I finished it as quickly as I could to get it over with.
mehtamorphosis's review
4.0
4/5 … To seduce is to perform. To be seduced is to be known.
In a meta regard, this novel really makes you think about the kind of venn diagram that exists among sexuality, feminism, and the patriarchy — but in a non-annoying, non-social justice warrior way. Somewhat of a no plot, just vibes type book, but very introspective. I really enjoyed this.
I subtract a point because, although this is supposedly a book about “queerness” and “womanhood” (and it is since Eve is a bisexual woman), most of the book is spent on Eve obsessing over a man. The dynamic is interesting and I suppose it was necessary for the sexuality/feminism/patriarchy plot line, but it felt like aspects of Eve’s identity were being erased.
“Any time I want, I can forsake this dinner party and jump into real life.” - Eve Babitz
In a meta regard, this novel really makes you think about the kind of venn diagram that exists among sexuality, feminism, and the patriarchy — but in a non-annoying, non-social justice warrior way. Somewhat of a no plot, just vibes type book, but very introspective. I really enjoyed this.
I subtract a point because, although this is supposedly a book about “queerness” and “womanhood” (and it is since Eve is a bisexual woman), most of the book is spent on Eve obsessing over a man. The dynamic is interesting and I suppose it was necessary for the sexuality/feminism/patriarchy plot line, but it felt like aspects of Eve’s identity were being erased.
“Any time I want, I can forsake this dinner party and jump into real life.” - Eve Babitz
mrslangdonalger's review
2.0
DNF, don't need yet another "wlw will make an exception if a dirtbag is rich and successful and commandingly cold enough" book.
ravenwolfereads's review
5.0
I really liked this. It's a reminder of how complex sex can be and how intertwined women are with their self-worth and judgments of others.
Eve lives with girlfriend, Romi. Romi is spectacular in the way of careers and kindness. What Eve admires in Romi is not something she will reach for herself to have. She feels like her physique isn't appreciated by Romi as much as she wants it to be. So she looks elsewhere.
Even finds Olivia and Nathan. It's a very complex dynamic. One moment, Eve feels like a buffer between Olivia and Nathan. The next moment, she feels like she wants Olivia and is willing to help her leave. But she's baffled as to why two women...who primarily prefer women...are so quick to please a male.
This is a story of how complex human emotions and desires are.
Eve lives with girlfriend, Romi. Romi is spectacular in the way of careers and kindness. What Eve admires in Romi is not something she will reach for herself to have. She feels like her physique isn't appreciated by Romi as much as she wants it to be. So she looks elsewhere.
Even finds Olivia and Nathan. It's a very complex dynamic. One moment, Eve feels like a buffer between Olivia and Nathan. The next moment, she feels like she wants Olivia and is willing to help her leave. But she's baffled as to why two women...who primarily prefer women...are so quick to please a male.
This is a story of how complex human emotions and desires are.
chloebeanne's review
3.0
*3.5
I think this book makes me more upset the more I think about it.
To be clear, this book is a very well written and very easy read. I enjoyed the experience of this story. I’m typically not a fan of the type of books that are trendy right now of “everyone is a bad person and you’re not meant to like them” but this one actually worked for me. However, the messaging in this book was either really brilliant, or really gross, and unfortunately the more it stews the more I think it’s the latter.
Also I think it’s important that I do not share this perspective of bisexuality or attraction to men so like, I really wanted more of this interesting dynamic between the two feminine mains and unfortunately, the book became more about this abusive man and he was apparently the “hero” of the MCs growth (words of the author, kind of). I just think you can write about the perversion and repression that women experience in sex without like, writing what felt like exploiting extremely unhealthy relationships and uplifting men who abuse their power? But ig that’s the point? Idk man, whatever.
I would still recommend this to queer friends as I think it’s a fascinating read and perhaps others would have different opinions.
I think this book makes me more upset the more I think about it.
To be clear, this book is a very well written and very easy read. I enjoyed the experience of this story. I’m typically not a fan of the type of books that are trendy right now of “everyone is a bad person and you’re not meant to like them” but this one actually worked for me. However, the messaging in this book was either really brilliant, or really gross, and unfortunately the more it stews the more I think it’s the latter.
Also I think it’s important that I do not share this perspective of bisexuality or attraction to men so like, I really wanted more of this interesting dynamic between the two feminine mains and unfortunately, the book became more about this abusive man and he was apparently the “hero” of the MCs growth (words of the author, kind of). I just think you can write about the perversion and repression that women experience in sex without like, writing what felt like exploiting extremely unhealthy relationships and uplifting men who abuse their power? But ig that’s the point? Idk man, whatever.
I would still recommend this to queer friends as I think it’s a fascinating read and perhaps others would have different opinions.
emmagcannon's review
3.0
This book captures alarmingly well how it feels to genuinely be in love with your abuser, at least how it felt when it was me. Unwittingly dragged through the emotions of the ordeal, you find yourself immersed in Eve’s mind and world. It was unsettling, raw, nauseating, intoxicating, and provocative.
Major trigger warnings for people though for real
Major trigger warnings for people though for real
max666's review
1.0
Frustrating. Essentially no plot, just a bunch of waxing poetic bs and hand wringing over a really boring dude. The straightest "queer" novel I've ever read.