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A review by thatothernigeriangirl
The Dancing Face by Mike Phillips
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book, and it was also enjoyable reading a book set in 90s London.
Also interesting was the take on arts, especially African arts that were booted during colonialism.
However, what dampened this one for me is how the author writes about women. It just reminded me that even some of the most brilliant male writers out there never know how to craft a female character well, without sexualising them — and they always have this obsession with boobs and thighs 🤮
None of the female characters in this book, even when they are brilliant, strong or successful, escaped sexualisation. Not one single scene featuring any of these female characters didn’t have a reference to their physical appearance. That was disappointing.
Also interesting was the take on arts, especially African arts that were booted during colonialism.
However, what dampened this one for me is how the author writes about women. It just reminded me that even some of the most brilliant male writers out there never know how to craft a female character well, without sexualising them — and they always have this obsession with boobs and thighs 🤮
None of the female characters in this book, even when they are brilliant, strong or successful, escaped sexualisation. Not one single scene featuring any of these female characters didn’t have a reference to their physical appearance. That was disappointing.