Scan barcode
bethebluebook's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Misogyny
sleepingnerd's review
4.0
Oh, this was quite the amazing graphic novel! I loved the art style, beautiful and evocative and playing so well with negative space and various motifs. The premise is also interesting, and I feel like it raises some important discussions of rape culture, sexual abuse, complicity and all the downfalls of misogyny and the patriarchy. Also, it's just really satisfying to see someone oppressed become a monster and finally get to express their rage in all its bloody glory.
On the other hand, though I understand that the novel tried to avoid transphobia (ergo one of the cult leaders being a trans woman), you can't help but have an underlying belief in gender essentialism if the root of your ideas is "men are evil". There's no attempt to focus their attention on the systems of oppression that caused their suffering, among them patriarchy, and so, even though the author tries otherwise, the graphic novel does read quite like TERF literature. It's something to keep in mind while reading, for sure.
On the other hand, though I understand that the novel tried to avoid transphobia (ergo one of the cult leaders being a trans woman), you can't help but have an underlying belief in gender essentialism if the root of your ideas is "men are evil". There's no attempt to focus their attention on the systems of oppression that caused their suffering, among them patriarchy, and so, even though the author tries otherwise, the graphic novel does read quite like TERF literature. It's something to keep in mind while reading, for sure.
silverseaslug's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
spoon01's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Rape
Moderate: Alcohol
ula_j's review
5.0
It’s only 3 of 5 chapters in so will update the review when it’s complete but already obsessed.
gsanta1's review
3.0
Revenge horror similar to 70s B-movies, if you like that sort of thing. A twist reveal at the end.
lattelibrarian's review
3.0
I was really with this book up until Marion joked that the retreat was "TERF Island" and Miranda tells her that she's trans. The rage, transforming into a hideous monster, allowing yourself to succumb to what you think justice should look like--this hit all the marks--but that comment just made me roll my eyes.
Miranda looks like she's straight from 1970s radical feminist artwork, but she's a trans woman, and the leader of this retreat, working under Diana who is assumedly a natal woman. So what does it mean, then, that Miranda is essentially leading these women through their traumas and helping to transform Marion into a monster? What does it mean that they are not allowed to "borrow trauma" yet Miranda is inserting herself into a space where women dance freely, talk of rape, talk of abuse? Which isn't to say Miranda hasn't had a fair share of trauma but it's...not the same, quite frankly.
I was left with hugely mixed feelings. I see this beautiful possibility of a story where women reclaim the monstrous after such horrific events--such as rape, which takes place both before and during the events of this graphic novel--but it's also marred with the insinuation that women getting together to transform themselves and find solace and rage within each other is a "TERF"y thing to do. Then, does Miranda's inclusion not make it TERFy? I suppose not, since it feels like such a "gotcha".
Honestly, with the exception of Diana, it just seems like it's men who are once again enacting and enabling violence. Don't get me wrong, I love an angry woman, but this was absolutely propelled once again by the actions of a natal man. Give me a break.
Otherwise, the artwork was beautiful and terrifying, and clearly, this gave me lots to think about, even if my thoughts weren't the intention of the authors and artists. Just, fuck, can't women have our own rage or does that have to be given to us by men, too?
Miranda looks like she's straight from 1970s radical feminist artwork, but she's a trans woman, and the leader of this retreat, working under Diana who is assumedly a natal woman. So what does it mean, then, that Miranda is essentially leading these women through their traumas and helping to transform Marion into a monster? What does it mean that they are not allowed to "borrow trauma" yet Miranda is inserting herself into a space where women dance freely, talk of rape, talk of abuse? Which isn't to say Miranda hasn't had a fair share of trauma but it's...not the same, quite frankly.
I was left with hugely mixed feelings. I see this beautiful possibility of a story where women reclaim the monstrous after such horrific events--such as rape, which takes place both before and during the events of this graphic novel--but it's also marred with the insinuation that women getting together to transform themselves and find solace and rage within each other is a "TERF"y thing to do. Then, does Miranda's inclusion not make it TERFy? I suppose not, since it feels like such a "gotcha".
Honestly, with the exception of Diana, it just seems like it's men who are once again enacting and enabling violence. Don't get me wrong, I love an angry woman, but this was absolutely propelled once again by the actions of a natal man. Give me a break.
Otherwise, the artwork was beautiful and terrifying, and clearly, this gave me lots to think about, even if my thoughts weren't the intention of the authors and artists. Just, fuck, can't women have our own rage or does that have to be given to us by men, too?
sucreslibrary's review
2.0
killer concept that unfortunately handles none of the subject matter in an interesting way. it's a very shallow story that flinches away from the gnarlier bits and instead gives a very weak payoff. the story is rushed and the characters aren't built out enough to make an impact. it feels many years too late - this would have killed on 2015 tumblr - but at this point we need something meatier. hopefully that something doesn't use a trans woman character as an incredibly weak gotcha moment.
saviorcomplexdiehard's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5