A review by allapaz
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Oh boy, what a great story, what a beautifully-written book, what wonderful symbolism. The book feels mysterious but familiar at the same time, and I absolutely loved the main characters and how full and real the cast felt. The themes were heavy, and the allegory of seen things versus unseen things and the terrifying climax really left me reeling. I enjoyed this book, and I will read this book again. Only thing holding me back from that full 5th star is my selfish wish for more--this book went by so fast for me. I want more of Jam's family, of the fun and love between Bitter and Aloe and Jam. I want more of the good and more of the friendship and more paranormal and world-building and lore....but I think the fact that we got what we got is beautiful too. I'll for sure be thinking about this one for a long time.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Dysphoria, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence

Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, and Sexual violence

Discussions about child abuse and child sexual abuse are left vague but the implication is clear. Strikes me as a level of discussion that lets the reader fill in the blanks appropriately--the fact that abuse is occurring is clear, but the details don't need to be spelled out. This I think leaves the book open for younger audiences as well, as the explicit mentions are of bruises and secrecy, so younger audiences may interpret the issues as less severe, if that makes sense.