The Eyes Are the Best Part

Different and Enjoyable

I've been eagerly anticipating reading The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim for months. Life, unfortunately, got in the way, causing me to put this book on hold. Recently, I've had a bit of a love-hate relationship with the horror genre, but I am thrilled to say that this novel firmly belongs on my positive list. I would have been truly disappointed if I hadn’t enjoyed it, given how much I was looking forward to it.

Although The Eyes Are the Best Part is primarily marketed as horror, the first half of the novel feels more like a brutally candid character study with a touch of the macabre. The marketing materials mention Michelle Zauner's Crying in H-Mart, which is an apt comparison for this portion of the narrative. The character development and emotional depth in the beginning chapters are reminiscent of Zauner's work, offering a poignant and engaging read.

As the story progresses, the horror elements intensify dramatically. The second half of the book is filled with nightmare-inducing visuals that significantly ramp up the tension and fear factor. One particular scene involving an eyeball left a lasting impression on me, and I doubt I will ever see an eyeball the same way again.

My one critique lies in the novel's conclusion. It felt as though the author ran out of steam, with various plot details being resolved too conveniently and too quickly. I would have preferred a more thorough depiction of the suggested outcomes rather than the open-ended closing that was provided.

Despite this slight premature ending, The Eyes Are the Best Part was worth every late-night minute I spent reading it. I do, however, advise against reading it after midnight as I did. We live, we learn, and we continue reading.

In summary, Monika Kim's The Eyes Are the Best Part is a compelling blend of character study and horror that ultimately delivers a haunting and memorable experience.