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aromarrie's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
part 2 had to be my most favorite part of this essay collection but in short: salvation, conflict circle, becoming monsters, looks like the real thing, and black boxes & penguin pulp were the most notable of all to me.
really this entire book was.
really this entire book was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Xenophobia, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent
alyssiacg's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
5.0
macjack's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Fantastic. By far one of the best books I’ve read this year.
bisexualbookshelf's review
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
In "Dinner on Monster Island," Tania de Rozario offers a striking collection of essays that delve into the intricacies of queerness, body politics, family trauma, and the Singaporean diaspora. With a deft hand, de Rozario navigates themes of deconstruction, feminism, and the profound experience of growing up with an abusive mother.
From the outset, de Rozario celebrates the power of estrangement as a valid response to familial abuse, offering a bold narrative of empowerment amidst abuse. Each essay resonates with themes of queer empowerment, creating a space for sapphic reclamation and defiance.
One of the collection's strengths lies in its adept critique of fatphobia, especially within the context of racism and colorism. These essays deftly unpack the ways in which societal norms and parental influence perpetuate damaging attitudes towards bodies, particularly within mother-daughter relationships.
Throughout the essays, de Rozario illuminates the inherently political nature of queerness, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the fight for liberation. Her introspective journey to confront the ghosts of her past underscores the need for collective action and mutual support in dismantling oppressive systems.
Anchored by a rich tapestry of pop culture references—from Carrie to Radiohead—de Rozario's analysis is both insightful and engaging. The collection's fascination with monsters serves as a lens through which to humanize and confront societal anxieties. In "Becoming Monsters," de Rozario offers a feminist, pro-survivor critique of Asian horror films, while in "Looks Like the Real Thing," she explores the artifice of national wealth through the lens of Westworld. The breadth of her critique is remarkable, encompassing topics ranging from antiracism to abolition and Singaporean prisons.
What truly sets de Rozario's writing apart is her razor-sharp prose, which cuts to the heart of complex issues with precision and eloquence. Her words linger, challenging readers to confront their own assumptions and biases. The collection is peppered with poignant quotes that encapsulate both her literary skill and the collection's central themes.
"Dinner on Monster Island" is a feast of intellect and emotion, a tour de force of personal narrative and cultural critique. Through her candid exploration of identity and resilience, Tania de Rozario invites readers to confront their own ghosts and embrace the journey towards liberation. “Dinner on Monster Island” is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersections of queerness, trauma, and social justice.
📖 Recommended For: Advocates for LGBTQ+ Representation, Intersectional Feminist Readers, Those Seeking Bold and Insightful Narratives, Fans of "It Came From the Closet"
🔑 Key Themes: Queer Empowerment and Reclamation, Confrontation of Trauma and Family Dynamics, Interrogation of Body Politics and Fatphobia, Collective Action and Solidarity in Liberation Movements.
From the outset, de Rozario celebrates the power of estrangement as a valid response to familial abuse, offering a bold narrative of empowerment amidst abuse. Each essay resonates with themes of queer empowerment, creating a space for sapphic reclamation and defiance.
One of the collection's strengths lies in its adept critique of fatphobia, especially within the context of racism and colorism. These essays deftly unpack the ways in which societal norms and parental influence perpetuate damaging attitudes towards bodies, particularly within mother-daughter relationships.
Throughout the essays, de Rozario illuminates the inherently political nature of queerness, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the fight for liberation. Her introspective journey to confront the ghosts of her past underscores the need for collective action and mutual support in dismantling oppressive systems.
Anchored by a rich tapestry of pop culture references—from Carrie to Radiohead—de Rozario's analysis is both insightful and engaging. The collection's fascination with monsters serves as a lens through which to humanize and confront societal anxieties. In "Becoming Monsters," de Rozario offers a feminist, pro-survivor critique of Asian horror films, while in "Looks Like the Real Thing," she explores the artifice of national wealth through the lens of Westworld. The breadth of her critique is remarkable, encompassing topics ranging from antiracism to abolition and Singaporean prisons.
What truly sets de Rozario's writing apart is her razor-sharp prose, which cuts to the heart of complex issues with precision and eloquence. Her words linger, challenging readers to confront their own assumptions and biases. The collection is peppered with poignant quotes that encapsulate both her literary skill and the collection's central themes.
"Dinner on Monster Island" is a feast of intellect and emotion, a tour de force of personal narrative and cultural critique. Through her candid exploration of identity and resilience, Tania de Rozario invites readers to confront their own ghosts and embrace the journey towards liberation. “Dinner on Monster Island” is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersections of queerness, trauma, and social justice.
📖 Recommended For: Advocates for LGBTQ+ Representation, Intersectional Feminist Readers, Those Seeking Bold and Insightful Narratives, Fans of "It Came From the Closet"
🔑 Key Themes: Queer Empowerment and Reclamation, Confrontation of Trauma and Family Dynamics, Interrogation of Body Politics and Fatphobia, Collective Action and Solidarity in Liberation Movements.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Self harm, and Suicide
Minor: Death of parent, Fatphobia, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Child abuse