Book review by Corey
A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing
A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing follows a young woman growing up in a deeply troubled family, especially through her complicated relationship with her brother, who has survived a childhood brain tumour. The story moves through abuse, guilt, sex, religion, family pressure, and self-destruction, all from a very close and uncomfortable point of view.
The most striking thing about the book is the writing style. The sentences are broken, fragmented, and often feel like thoughts arriving faster than they can be fully formed. It can be difficult at first, but once you settle into the rhythm, it gives the book a rawness that fits the character and the story extremely well.
The Goods
- Very distinctive writing style
- Emotionally intense
- Strong character work
- Feels raw and immediate
- The style matches the subject perfectly
The Bads
- Can be difficult to read at first
- Very heavy subject matter
- The fragmented writing will not work for everyone
- Emotionally exhausting in places
- Not a relaxing read
My Recommendation
This one is probably best for readers who like literary fiction that takes risks with language and structure. The writing is demanding, but it is also what makes the book so powerful, because you feel incredibly close to the main character’s thoughts and emotions. If you prefer straightforward storytelling, this may be frustrating, but if you like challenging books that leave a strong emotional impact, it is well worth the effort.