Our Take

Lisa Taddeo has written a fearless and provocative novel that refuses to make its protagonist likeable or its themes comfortable, instead offering an unflinching examination of female rage and desire in contemporary America. Her prose is visceral and immediate, capturing Joan's voice with startling authenticity while never asking readers to excuse her sometimes destructive behavior. What makes this novel exceptional is Taddeo's willingness to explore the darker aspects of female psychology without judgment, creating a character who is simultaneously victim and perpetrator. Readers who connected with My Education by Susan Choi will appreciate the complex exploration of female sexuality, while fans of The Power by Naomi Alderman will recognize similar themes about women reclaiming agency through potentially dangerous means. Like Tampa by Alissa Nutting, this novel challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about desire and power. Taddeo's background as the author of Three Women brings deep insight into female sexuality and trauma, making this essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary feminist literature that doesn't shy away from moral complexity. This is a book that will spark conversation and debate, proving that the most important fiction often makes us uncomfortable while forcing us to examine our own assumptions about women, desire, and justice.