Mollie

I found this book compelling and a realistic look at how someone's ideals are worn down by toxic environments. I was however so confused by the end being so abrupt- what happened in those years?? Just didn't feel like it was a well crafted conclusion and due to it's shortcomings made me speculate to why that was the case.

What a twisted little book. I'm not sure what took me so long to read this when I've enjoyed Jackson's other works. Truly fascinating characters in Constance and Merricat- who protects who? The author reveals just enough details to keep you guessing about the girls' lives before the book begins.

I had to keep thinking on this one and update my rating.
Here's the thing- this book made me thankful. Thankful I have a supportive family, thankful it took me well into my adulthood to figure out (or become at peace with the inability of labels to really encompass a person) relationships. Growing up in a small town, I'm glad I didn't try to figure that out sooner, or ever really even feel the need to.

But that's different than the book being good on it's own merit, so upon some reflection, I did move my rating down. There's good stuff in here- the pressure of society to organize people into neat little boxes when humanity is just so very messy, and how that really can feel like such a torture to navigate. But there's also some stuff I didn't jive with. Everyone in this book is pretty much a terrible support system and the only person the reader is guided to like is Astrid. Everyone else feels a bit one dimensional as they all are just pretty awful to her, including her girlfriend (who has no respect for boundaries.) I also didn't quite understand why the author chose to have Astrid “see” Socrates. I couldn't tell if it was meant to be SO literal (which would be majorly concerning...)

4.5

Really enjoyed how unique this was. I loved the touches of real life and art throughout. There were times where I wanted more about Addie's historical events but overall, I just really liked this. Something dreamlike about the whole thing, but not one you are sure of. A nice parallel to how Addie moves through the world.

Some of the stories are funny, but they do not save it from the author's not-so-hot hot takes. I did a lot of eye rolling. Yikes.