i feel like crying

'the adult' is a "sad girl", coming-of-age novel following natalie as she moves to university. she develops a relationship with an older woman. it's primarily about this toxic relationship and the power disparity between the two, all while natalie is navigating stepping into the world for the first time

i can't explain why this worked so well for me. i didn't relate to it much; natalie is so different from me personality-wise that i found it difficult to resonate with her and the way she perceives the world, but this book still managed to impact me so deeply. it was gentle, tender, and intimate. with a soft but vivid style of writing, fischer depicts the all-consuming power of first loves and heartbreaks. she captures post-adolescent confusion and the clumsy awkwardness of entering adulthood perfectly.

this book was beautiful, i can see myself rereading it many times in the future. definitely the best 2023 release i've read so far this year <3 what a stunning surprise