A review by k_aro
Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin

challenging dark reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I'm not really sure what to make of this book. It's obviously very historically interesting, but there's something about this book that has now become... banal? Something about these themes of corruption reminds me of The Picture of Dorian Gray, which itself has its own host of queer undertones. Obviously Miaojin's writing (and the translation of it) is deeply affective in lots of moments, and hilariously enough because this was a darling for a friend of mine it has given me deeper insights into their psyche.

It's just not mindblowing to me - though, considering the books I have read, probably shouldn't be that much of a shock.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Grief, Self harm, Stalking, Abandonment, Alcohol, Toxic friendship, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Body horror, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Emotional abuse

Minor: Homophobia and Lesbophobia

Contextually, this book takes place probably around Qiu Miaojin's actual lifespan; however, because this is mostly internal, the homo and lesbophobia are largely internalized. Most of the characters are actually queer on some level lol