Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - White Ivy

Hmmm. I feel conflicted about this one. It read like a literary thriller, and reminded me a lot of Lucy Foley’s The Guest List, with a bit less propulsion and plot twist. The sinister natures of the characters, the internal anguish, haunted pasts, corruptive nature of visible wealth and luxury, not to mention the deep dread of an upcoming wedding (!).

There are some interesting ideas explored here, like the contrast between visible and quiet wealth. The way the wholesomeness of Gideon and Ivy’s families seem to switch from childhood to adulthood, in the same way their finances do, seems to speak to the way poverty grinds people down into worse versions of themselves. And the treatment of the Lin’s immigrant experience is handled well. But I can’t really see myself recommending this book. I lost heart in all of the characters about two thirds of the way through. When I can’t identify with anyone’s choices or motivations in a story, I struggle to stay invested in the outcome. To me, there’s just no light in this. I guess I need more of that in a story, somewhere, so this one was just too dark and grim for me.

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readwithbells's review against another edition

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dark sad tense medium-paced

3.5

This book was a wild ride and one of the bleakest romances I’ve read. Ivy starts off as being an understandably bratty kid and becomes an absolutely wholly unlikeable character (which was definitely the point). I loved the writing of this book - Susie Yang had my attention from the very first paragraph which I can’t say for most books I read.

I just kind of wish there was something more here. It was enjoyable and upsetting and I don’t think I’ve yelled that aggressively at a book character in a long time but I can’t say I really LIKED the book.

An interesting character study - like watching a train crash: you can’t bear to look away but you also can’t say you enjoyed the ride.

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kdowli01's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

To be honest, this was slow at first. But there were some unexpected twists throughout (ok mostly at the end) that I thought made it totally worth it. But fair warning: Ivy, the protagonist, is not likeable, and it is at times really uncomfortable watching her sabotage herself and those around her.

Synopsis: In her mid-20s, Ivy Lin reconnects with her middle school crush, and slowly (and not entirely of her own doing) enmeshes herself into his life and with his family and friends. But the entire time, she's not sure this is really what she wants, or if everything is as it seems.

All the women in this were just amazing. I mean the protagonist is kind of terrible, but I just loved how each of them in their own way made things happen to get the lives they wanted. I particularly loved the backstories on Ivy's mom and grandmother (particularly the updated version you get at the very end). None of these women are ideal role models, but you can't help but be impressed!

I also thought it was interesting how it handled mental health. While not a major topic, it was covered in a really interesting way, particularly how different cultures approach the problem.

Once I got into this, I really enjoyed it. If you're planning to read it, just be patient because it pays off!

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