i have plenty that i could say, but i think other people have articulated those things better than i have. but something that's really stuck with me (and i said it in my rating), but it's really so impressive to me how this novel, especially as someone's first novel, handles sexual violence both allegorical and explicit. i feel like most of the time, novels aren't sure how to handle the topic with the correct weight, and it often either feels detached and almost clinical or gratuitous and disrespectful. and due to the nature of this novel, i was worried it'd be more of the same. but the sensuality and intimacy themselves feel horrifying, if that makes any sense? like the sensuality is part of why the violence both sexual and otherwise is so anxiety inducing. it's just really nuanced and well done.
so thank you for that.