My goodness, I am at a loss for words. I recently read Otessa Moshfegh's "Homesick for Another World," and I promised myself that my next book would have more normal characters. Yeah, that did not happen. I mean, the synopsis DID kind of warn me, so no excuse.

Joan, the main character, is such a disturbingly complex individual. There were many times I felt like she wasn't being honest with me (the reader), that she was holding something back. And that makes sense. This book was truly a rollercoaster. In the first half of the book, I was absolutely disgusted with her character, but I was attracted to Taddeo's writing style so I kept reading. The whole time I KNEW Joan was on the verge of doing something disturbing (ie, MURDER), and I kept reading in suspense.

After I found out about Wilt (won't spoil), I felt more sympathetic, although I strongly think that she needs therapy and medication. Joan is what you call both a victim and a perpetrator. She's a victim because of the relationship she had with her parents, her parents' relationship with one another, Gosia's weird worldview, and the sexual assault she went through.

Taddeo did a great job building up suspense and showing Joan's true depravity without being stereotypical or rage! feminism! screw men! I only give this four stars because Taddeo took too long to get to the point (should have been shorter) and the end was a little too redemptive for my taste.

Although disturbing, I think it was a great literary experience. This book is not for everyone or for the faint of heart.