This book touches a lot of really sensitive topics, such as rape and non-binary gender. It begins in the aftermath of Em’s sister’s rape, at the hands of a football water boy. Em is furious when the boy is convicted, but is sentenced to only time served. This means he won’t spend any additional time in prison. Em needs an outlet for her rage, and so begins to write an epic poem about Margaurite, a woman in France in the Middle Ages that avenges women’s rapes at the time.
I was lost on the poem. Half (or more) of the book is the poem, and while it was ok, it’s not my typical read. I’m never going to willingly choose poetry or seek it out. I didn’t know that that would be such a huge component of the book. It was definitely not my thing.
One of the characters was gender non binary, but it wasn’t really addressed well. The author began using they/them pronouns and then glossed over any explanation. I’m savvy and understood, but others may need more of an explanation than was provided, especially of not really savvy or haven’t encountered a gender non binary person before.
The premise of the story was great, and portrayed well the hurt and rage that would happen in the situation. The execution of the book left me wanting more though.
I was lost on the poem. Half (or more) of the book is the poem, and while it was ok, it’s not my typical read. I’m never going to willingly choose poetry or seek it out. I didn’t know that that would be such a huge component of the book. It was definitely not my thing.
One of the characters was gender non binary, but it wasn’t really addressed well. The author began using they/them pronouns and then glossed over any explanation. I’m savvy and understood, but others may need more of an explanation than was provided, especially of not really savvy or haven’t encountered a gender non binary person before.
The premise of the story was great, and portrayed well the hurt and rage that would happen in the situation. The execution of the book left me wanting more though.