A review by bibliorey
I'm a Fan by Sheena Patel

dark emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“There is a whole other storyline unfolding with two main characters and I am merely the short subplot to aid the trajectory of their love story. I am not a main character in this ensemble romcom of betrayal, I am a supporting act. He is in no danger of falling in love with me. I am usurpable in my own life. I am on a lower social strata to the two of them and in this way they are equals and are better matched. No one would think to invite me to a private view at the Royal Academy—I am no one. I’m a fan and because of this, I can be cut out.”

The best way I can think to simplify my description of this book is if a woman thought-vomit in her Notes app of her hyperfixations that ranges from obsessing over her lover’s lover, patriarchy, creativity, ambition, of self, and of everything that crosses her mind really.

The chapters were all really short which feels like a perfect pick-up if you’re a busy girlie in need of some quick literature to consume. As someone who hyperfixates on things quite a lot—especially the little things—, I relate to the narrator so well. Though she is as unrealiable and unlikable as she comes, the way she describes of her obsessions and hyperfixations reminded me of me in some ways. I admit I’m not a saint, I’ve never claimed to be a good person. I am that very unlikable narrator. But I stick to my truth no matter how dark it is.

I have seen this book circling around my community of readers for a while now but what drove me to pick it up was Lauren a.k.a bigbooklady’s TikTok in which she listed I’m a Fan as one of her favourite reads in 2023. So I thought, what a perfect time to finally pick it up right here right now and indeed what a fast read it was.

Think of this book as your erratic consciousness splattered on paper, all vibes no plot. So highly recommending it to people who are searching for all the vibes and no plot type of books, I think you would enjoy it immensely!

“I pay attention to things that most people ignore.” — Olivia Rodrigo