There is just something about Danzy Senna’s writing style that does it for me. 

Did I like Maria, the MC? No. Do I normally prefer likeable MCs in contemporary fiction? Yes. (As opposed to thrillers, where I almost always find the characters to be unlikeable but can still get into the story.) 

Still, Senna successfully put me in a trance as I read this story of a biracial (could pass for white) woman in 1990s Brooklyn as she quietly unravels in the most concerning of ways. It’s a book that seems like mostly vibes but there are fascinating moments weaved in that address both self-identity and group-identity. And commentary on cults always interests me so I liked the way that fit into this story because Maria is writing her dissertation on the Jonestown massacre. 

This isn’t a book for everyone but it is for me. I’d previously only read Caucasia by Senna but now I’m going to read the rest of her catalog asap. And I can’t wait for her 2024 release. 

Ratings 
Quality of Writing 5/5 
Pacing 5/5 
Plot Development 3/5 
Character Development 4/5 
Overall Enjoyability 5/5