Scan barcode
A review by ineffableverse
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The novel treads a delicate line between fact and fiction, as it delves into the harrowing reality of assaults and murders committed by one of history's most infamous serial killers. The author, Jessica Knoll, chooses to never call him by name – yes, to erase him from the narrative as much as possible! – for a very good reason: This rapist, this murderer of over 30 women, has been celebrated, admired, *swooned over* to a disturbing extent. Why? Because he was moderately attractive? Because he was charming? Even the judge referred to him as a 'bright young man,' hence the title of the novel.
«Bright Young Women» focuses on the impact of the crimes rather than on the perpetrator; it challenges prevailing cultural narratives that tend to minimize the perspectives of the female survivors, witnesses, and victims. Instead, the story explores themes of resilience, justice, and the challenges faced by women. Enough with the glorification of murderers – it's time to let the victims and survivors have the spotlight; give a voice to those who were silenced.
This is why I won't reveal the killer's name in my review, either.
While this is not a comfortable, 'fun' read, it isn't meant to be – and it has a lot to offer, if you are willing to leave your comfort zone.
Jessica Knoll's writing is intense and immersive, at times even visceral and raw. Drawing readers into the lives of her well-developed characters, it evokes empathy, yet never stoops to cheap pity prose: As much as this is a story of female suffering and trauma, it is a story of female strength, intelligence and unwavering sisterhood, told with respect.
The book examines what it means to be female, especially when faced with misogyny and the many facets of violence that get overlooked, excused or forgotten. While the book is set in the 70s and 80s, harmful societal attitudes and condescension are unfortunately not a thing of the past.
Overall, «Bright Young Women» might not be consistently attention-grabbing, but it's a compelling and thought-provoking novel that successfully tackles complex themes while offering a fresh perspective on true crime narratives.
“Things grow differently when they’re damaged, and it is within us to make use of strange new ground to bloom red instead of green. We carry on, brighter than before.”
(Quote)
«Bright Young Women» focuses on the impact of the crimes rather than on the perpetrator; it challenges prevailing cultural narratives that tend to minimize the perspectives of the female survivors, witnesses, and victims. Instead, the story explores themes of resilience, justice, and the challenges faced by women. Enough with the glorification of murderers – it's time to let the victims and survivors have the spotlight; give a voice to those who were silenced.
This is why I won't reveal the killer's name in my review, either.
While this is not a comfortable, 'fun' read, it isn't meant to be – and it has a lot to offer, if you are willing to leave your comfort zone.
Jessica Knoll's writing is intense and immersive, at times even visceral and raw. Drawing readers into the lives of her well-developed characters, it evokes empathy, yet never stoops to cheap pity prose: As much as this is a story of female suffering and trauma, it is a story of female strength, intelligence and unwavering sisterhood, told with respect.
The book examines what it means to be female, especially when faced with misogyny and the many facets of violence that get overlooked, excused or forgotten. While the book is set in the 70s and 80s, harmful societal attitudes and condescension are unfortunately not a thing of the past.
Overall, «Bright Young Women» might not be consistently attention-grabbing, but it's a compelling and thought-provoking novel that successfully tackles complex themes while offering a fresh perspective on true crime narratives.
“Things grow differently when they’re damaged, and it is within us to make use of strange new ground to bloom red instead of green. We carry on, brighter than before.”
(Quote)