Biography of X

This was confusing asf because the footnotes made me think this was real for like...15% of this. But I loved it.

I liked the characterization of X. Just the most pretentious motherfucker you've ever met that people still somehow love. For a lot of the book, that was what I thought was her biggest fault. She was just an annoying pretentious artist. But once we learn about some of the psychological and even physical abuse, this book transformed into something different and idk how to explain it. Things that seemed obscure and even quirky about X suddenly became a lot darker. I think we hear a lot about “tortured” artists being actual snobs and horrible people. X was no different, which I'm sure she would berate you for saying. At times, I almost found it funny how much of a facade she was putting up...trying to act artsy and profound when really she just wanted her art appreciated without any scrutiny or criticism like the rest of us. Interesting character though I don't ever think we got to see a moment of her with her guard down. Even in more intimate moments, she was still pretending. Her thoughts on the past you being a different person was different. Though her disguises were an obvious attempt to flee, to run away from criticism and challenge. Again, well-written but very frustrating character. I still do not know her. Honestly though, my only wish was that the narrator would get really fucking angry. I wanted anger. She kept telling me it was there, but I didn't see it.

Catherine Lacey's ability to create an entirely new American history out of thin air was the most impressive aspect of the book to me. I did not except to like the Southern/Western/Northern Territory parts to be as intriguing as it was. (Though I was confused why Southern Territory was “ST” but the other two were always written out. Idk why or how I noticed that but either it's an error or a choice. If it's a choice, I'm not sure why.)

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A lot of it went over my head, I'm sure. This was not a perfect 5 star for me, but was pretty close to it!