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True Things About Me
One ordinary afternoon in a nameless town, a nameless young woman is at work in a benefits office. Ten minutes later, she is in an underground parking lot, slammed up against a wall, having sex with a stranger. What made her do this? How can she forget him? These are questions the young woman asks herself as she charts her deepening erotic obsession with painful, sometimes hilarious precision. With the crazy logic and hallucinatory clarity of an exhilarating, terrifying dream, told in chapters as short and surprising as snapshots, True Things About Me hurtles through the terrain of sexual obsession and asks what it is to know oneself and to test the limits of one's desires.
217 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
28 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Kay Davies
11 books37 followersDeborah Kay Davies started writing and publishing when she was a mature student and taught Creative Writing at Cardiff University. Her first collection of stories, Grace, Tamar and Laszlo the Beautiful, won the 2009 Wales Book of the Year Award. She has also published a collection of poems, Things You Think I Don’t Know. She lives in Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
January 25, 2018
This book is certainly a hard, hard hitter. I would say, trigger warnings for rape, abuse, abusive relationships, isolation and violence. However, if these things aren't triggers for you, and you want to learn about just how terrifying it could be to unwillingly step into an abusive relationship and find yourself unable/unwilling to leave, this could be a book for you.
This is the second book I've read by this author so I knew going into it that I was going to like her style becuase I also loved her other one. She's a poet and so she has a strong way with words and she is incredibly raw and visceral with her views on the topic. This is divided into many super short chapters with each heading being a 'true' fact about the narrator of the story. It's emotional, and you quickly can't help forming a bond with the narrator and her struggle.
I loved this, but hated what it represents. This is some people's reality, and it's horrible, but it's important to read these sorts of things and face that these things happen and if we can help we should. I loved the prose, and enjoyed the concepts, and I gave it a solid 4*s in the end.
This is the second book I've read by this author so I knew going into it that I was going to like her style becuase I also loved her other one. She's a poet and so she has a strong way with words and she is incredibly raw and visceral with her views on the topic. This is divided into many super short chapters with each heading being a 'true' fact about the narrator of the story. It's emotional, and you quickly can't help forming a bond with the narrator and her struggle.
I loved this, but hated what it represents. This is some people's reality, and it's horrible, but it's important to read these sorts of things and face that these things happen and if we can help we should. I loved the prose, and enjoyed the concepts, and I gave it a solid 4*s in the end.
October 4, 2011
This book sweeps you away much like the main character, a woman working in a benefits office, is carried off into another state (or states) by her sexual contact and subsequent obsession with a claimant at the dole office. On first meeting they have sex in the car park, and from then on her ‘normal’ life falls to pieces as she pursues the purely sexual relationship with the ex-criminal (we’re not told what crime he has committed but he is violent to her, steals her car). We feel sometimes like her friend Alison who tries to make her ‘see sense’ – what the fuck are you doing, going back to him when he’s humiliated you, bruised and subjugated you to his will – and sometimes get caught up in her hallucinatory world where normality seems silly:
As I trailed up the stairs I could hear my mum asking where the kettle was. I wanted to rush back down and shout at them to leave my kettle alone. To get out of my house, and take their stupid string bags, fucking bifocals and dreary matching fleeces with them.
She’s gone beyond tea - she stops eating for a while - and work and politeness, she’s lost her sense of self, she’s someone different now:
I felt as if some wet substance filled my cavities. It could have been water, it might have been blood; some sort of disgusting broth anyway. I was surprised my colleagues couldn’t hear it lapping around as I stalked up and down the corridors. For all I knew I was leaving liquid splodges on the office floors.
As a reader the hook is so strong you want to just sit and read straight through and I would have but for things like work and family stuff getting in the way. Short chapters with ironic headings, true things about her: I talk to the animals (where she visits her gran in hospital, who threw her head back and started crowing like a cockerel. She had little claws that plucked the bedclothes), I get tied up once in a while, I eat colour coordinated snacks. There’s a lot of topical humour too: Why can’t I have a good old British sandwich? She asked. Why must it be ciabatta and wraps and stuff like that? Who is Panini anyway?
I suspect some will wince at the very strong nature of the sex, violence, drugs depicted here, but this is a ‘descent’ story of considerable power. Fucking brilliant. Surrender.
I should add that she is another writer who is appearing at the Great Short Fiction day @ Lancaster Litfest, although this is a novel (I'll get on to her stories after, as they've just arrived). I am so glad she is because I might not have picked up this book otherwise.
As I trailed up the stairs I could hear my mum asking where the kettle was. I wanted to rush back down and shout at them to leave my kettle alone. To get out of my house, and take their stupid string bags, fucking bifocals and dreary matching fleeces with them.
She’s gone beyond tea - she stops eating for a while - and work and politeness, she’s lost her sense of self, she’s someone different now:
I felt as if some wet substance filled my cavities. It could have been water, it might have been blood; some sort of disgusting broth anyway. I was surprised my colleagues couldn’t hear it lapping around as I stalked up and down the corridors. For all I knew I was leaving liquid splodges on the office floors.
As a reader the hook is so strong you want to just sit and read straight through and I would have but for things like work and family stuff getting in the way. Short chapters with ironic headings, true things about her: I talk to the animals (where she visits her gran in hospital, who threw her head back and started crowing like a cockerel. She had little claws that plucked the bedclothes), I get tied up once in a while, I eat colour coordinated snacks. There’s a lot of topical humour too: Why can’t I have a good old British sandwich? She asked. Why must it be ciabatta and wraps and stuff like that? Who is Panini anyway?
I suspect some will wince at the very strong nature of the sex, violence, drugs depicted here, but this is a ‘descent’ story of considerable power. Fucking brilliant. Surrender.
I should add that she is another writer who is appearing at the Great Short Fiction day @ Lancaster Litfest, although this is a novel (I'll get on to her stories after, as they've just arrived). I am so glad she is because I might not have picked up this book otherwise.
April 1, 2011
I am a little disorientated.
You see, Deborah Kay Davies picked me up and pulled me into the mind of another woman. I couldn't quite understand her, her circumstances, her emotions, her actions, but I cared, and I wished that I could.
And now I am back. Moved, puzzled, disturbed, still asking questions, and not quite able to let go.
She worked for the DWP. Dealing with the public. A soul-destroying job. She must the worst side of human nature rather more often than the best.
She saw a man. An ex convict. A man with a past. Not good. But something pulled her towards him. I could only think that it was a coup de foudre. Their relationship was quickly consumated in the car park and he took over her life.
I wanted to scream at her. I wanted to shake her. Where was her mind?
But she tumbled into an abusive relationship with a manipulative, controlling man, who treated her like dirt, but knew how to keep her hanging on.
She lost everything. Her parents. Her friends. Her job. Her possessions.
At first I thought she was just a stupid girl, who didn't think, who didn't know where to draw the line. Who had no self esteem.
But then I began to wonder.
She had a decent job, her own home, enough resources no not panic when her job disppeared. How did she get to where she was? What had happened in her past?
Her parents were worried, but they didn't know what to do, how to reach out, how to help. Were they simply older parents who hadn't quite understood the ways of the modern world? Or did they have particular reasons to worry for their daughter?
And then there was her friend. A good friend who tried to talk sense, who did her best for her. That I had to applaud. But why would she leave her child with her friend when she was in such a mess. There was definitely something, some understanding. What did she know, what did she see, that I didn't?
I sawa woman, breaking down. A woman in trouble.
At first I thought she was young and stupid. But then I thought maybe she was older and troubled.
Who was she? Where did she come from?
Was she damaged or stupid or both?
Would she realise she was in trouble? Could she change things?
It takes real skill for an author to pull you into a book like this, to places you really don't want to visit. Deborah Kay Davies does just that, and does it brilliantly.
Her style is direct, literate and very, very readable. There is a lot of darkness, but there are flashes of light, moments of black humour, and some wonderful, wonderful descriptions.
I wanted to read on. I wanted to scream at this maddening, infuriating woman, to somehow make her see reason. I wanted to do something.
And now it is over, but she hasn't left me, and my mind is still buzzing.
You see, Deborah Kay Davies picked me up and pulled me into the mind of another woman. I couldn't quite understand her, her circumstances, her emotions, her actions, but I cared, and I wished that I could.
And now I am back. Moved, puzzled, disturbed, still asking questions, and not quite able to let go.
She worked for the DWP. Dealing with the public. A soul-destroying job. She must the worst side of human nature rather more often than the best.
She saw a man. An ex convict. A man with a past. Not good. But something pulled her towards him. I could only think that it was a coup de foudre. Their relationship was quickly consumated in the car park and he took over her life.
I wanted to scream at her. I wanted to shake her. Where was her mind?
But she tumbled into an abusive relationship with a manipulative, controlling man, who treated her like dirt, but knew how to keep her hanging on.
She lost everything. Her parents. Her friends. Her job. Her possessions.
At first I thought she was just a stupid girl, who didn't think, who didn't know where to draw the line. Who had no self esteem.
But then I began to wonder.
She had a decent job, her own home, enough resources no not panic when her job disppeared. How did she get to where she was? What had happened in her past?
Her parents were worried, but they didn't know what to do, how to reach out, how to help. Were they simply older parents who hadn't quite understood the ways of the modern world? Or did they have particular reasons to worry for their daughter?
And then there was her friend. A good friend who tried to talk sense, who did her best for her. That I had to applaud. But why would she leave her child with her friend when she was in such a mess. There was definitely something, some understanding. What did she know, what did she see, that I didn't?
I sawa woman, breaking down. A woman in trouble.
At first I thought she was young and stupid. But then I thought maybe she was older and troubled.
Who was she? Where did she come from?
Was she damaged or stupid or both?
Would she realise she was in trouble? Could she change things?
It takes real skill for an author to pull you into a book like this, to places you really don't want to visit. Deborah Kay Davies does just that, and does it brilliantly.
Her style is direct, literate and very, very readable. There is a lot of darkness, but there are flashes of light, moments of black humour, and some wonderful, wonderful descriptions.
I wanted to read on. I wanted to scream at this maddening, infuriating woman, to somehow make her see reason. I wanted to do something.
And now it is over, but she hasn't left me, and my mind is still buzzing.
May 9, 2011
True Things About Me may be cleverly written, daring, raw, honest - the usual praise critics shower over authors who step outside the box to shock us, but I found the content far too confronting and disturbing to consider any of that.
Now that has nothing to do with the author and everything to do with my limitations as a reader but I make no apologies - from what I've heard of Wuthering Heights, I'll be steering clear of that one too, even if it is a classic.
I found the blurb misleading, "...This is the story of a woman brave enough to risk it all." and "...novel of survival that reveals simultaneously the strength and vulnerability of one ordinary woman."
To me, there was no bravery or strength; this gives the protagonist far too much credit. In my opinion, there's just self-absorption, copious amounts of alcohol and stupidity, a result of which many people suffered. In fact, I thought it pure luck she survived. Perhaps if we'd had some insight into why a seemingly "ordinary" woman would quickly fall into such a self-destructive downward spiral after a brief encounter with an ex-convict, especially when having continuous support from loved ones, these descriptions might apply.
And finally, murdering the source of your misery when clearly there are many other options to escape the situation is disturbing and clearly unstable, not strong or brave.
Now that has nothing to do with the author and everything to do with my limitations as a reader but I make no apologies - from what I've heard of Wuthering Heights, I'll be steering clear of that one too, even if it is a classic.
I found the blurb misleading, "...This is the story of a woman brave enough to risk it all." and "...novel of survival that reveals simultaneously the strength and vulnerability of one ordinary woman."
To me, there was no bravery or strength; this gives the protagonist far too much credit. In my opinion, there's just self-absorption, copious amounts of alcohol and stupidity, a result of which many people suffered. In fact, I thought it pure luck she survived. Perhaps if we'd had some insight into why a seemingly "ordinary" woman would quickly fall into such a self-destructive downward spiral after a brief encounter with an ex-convict, especially when having continuous support from loved ones, these descriptions might apply.
And finally, murdering the source of your misery when clearly there are many other options to escape the situation is disturbing and clearly unstable, not strong or brave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2011
I give this book five stars for the quality in writing but two stars for the absolutely terrible character development. Sure, yes, it was beautifully written, the descriptions were great, the idea was good but I just couldn't see past the characters. Or lack there of for that matter.
I feel like I never got to actually know anything about Deborah Davies' unnamed heroin. There was no character development, there was no growth, there was almost no backstory... so I felt like I wasn't able to connect with this character. I unable to feel what she was feeling, to feel for her. So most of the time, instead, I was left feeling uncomfortable, distant and just plain awkward.
Maybe I am just bitter because I feel like this book was marketed as a story about a strong young woman striving through a terrible event, but instead I got this weak, selfish, girl thrown at me who just kept making things worse. This book was not for me.
I feel like I never got to actually know anything about Deborah Davies' unnamed heroin. There was no character development, there was no growth, there was almost no backstory... so I felt like I wasn't able to connect with this character. I unable to feel what she was feeling, to feel for her. So most of the time, instead, I was left feeling uncomfortable, distant and just plain awkward.
Maybe I am just bitter because I feel like this book was marketed as a story about a strong young woman striving through a terrible event, but instead I got this weak, selfish, girl thrown at me who just kept making things worse. This book was not for me.
August 24, 2017
this book was trashy and bad but I think I liked it anyway
November 21, 2020
Ooof. One star reviews always feel so harsh, but I'm going strictly according to the Goodreads review system, here: "did not like it."
Where to start? The subject matter is certainly controversial; a young woman working in a Benefits office has an encounter with a client, shares an aggressive, sudden sexual experience with him hours later in an underground parking lot, then gets swept under his influence. He's not a good man, and her life begins to steadily unravel as she falls deeper into his world.
Our unnamed narrator is both aware of the decisions she's making, and is also unable to stop herself. The man's draw is magnetic, compelling; and the comparisons with addiction are unavoidable and inevitable.
It's a short read; I read it in one sitting. If you've got an afternoon, you can finish it. Just like central, magnetic pull of the turbulent relationship at the book's centre; I couldn't stop reading.
It's a fine line to walk, the one that edges along between dangerous sexual allure and glorifying abuse. I do think Davies captures the secret side of human nature pretty accurately. All of us are drawn, on some level, to the dark and dangerous. The main character is drawn to act on that desire, and the inability to pull herself out from under the man's influence rang true.
I mentioned addiction before, and that's what this book does a good job of illustrating; when you're trapped in the clutches of something that you can't escape, even with the good intentions of loved ones around you.
However. I hated this book for two reasons.
One: the main character doesn't change. From start to finish, she goes down a rabbit hole of sexual and psychological abuse, but remains strangely flat. Despite everything changing around her, and despite the twisted (and thrilling, at the beginning) journey she embarks on, she remains static and distant. It's unsatisfying, and it's wholly unrealistic. No human would go through what she does over the course of the book and remain unaffected.
Two: the ending. No spoilers here, but it felt extreme, abrupt, and less like a resolution than a desperate way for the author to get out of the corner she'd painted herself into.
Which makes me come to the conclusion that instead of a character study, or a thoughtful look at addiction and abuse, it glorifies it. If the character is completely unaffected, then what other message can we assume the author is making, other than there is no cost or impact to all of this?
And that, is truly dangerous.
Where to start? The subject matter is certainly controversial; a young woman working in a Benefits office has an encounter with a client, shares an aggressive, sudden sexual experience with him hours later in an underground parking lot, then gets swept under his influence. He's not a good man, and her life begins to steadily unravel as she falls deeper into his world.
Our unnamed narrator is both aware of the decisions she's making, and is also unable to stop herself. The man's draw is magnetic, compelling; and the comparisons with addiction are unavoidable and inevitable.
It's a short read; I read it in one sitting. If you've got an afternoon, you can finish it. Just like central, magnetic pull of the turbulent relationship at the book's centre; I couldn't stop reading.
It's a fine line to walk, the one that edges along between dangerous sexual allure and glorifying abuse. I do think Davies captures the secret side of human nature pretty accurately. All of us are drawn, on some level, to the dark and dangerous. The main character is drawn to act on that desire, and the inability to pull herself out from under the man's influence rang true.
I mentioned addiction before, and that's what this book does a good job of illustrating; when you're trapped in the clutches of something that you can't escape, even with the good intentions of loved ones around you.
However. I hated this book for two reasons.
One: the main character doesn't change. From start to finish, she goes down a rabbit hole of sexual and psychological abuse, but remains strangely flat. Despite everything changing around her, and despite the twisted (and thrilling, at the beginning) journey she embarks on, she remains static and distant. It's unsatisfying, and it's wholly unrealistic. No human would go through what she does over the course of the book and remain unaffected.
Two: the ending. No spoilers here, but it felt extreme, abrupt, and less like a resolution than a desperate way for the author to get out of the corner she'd painted herself into.
Which makes me come to the conclusion that instead of a character study, or a thoughtful look at addiction and abuse, it glorifies it. If the character is completely unaffected, then what other message can we assume the author is making, other than there is no cost or impact to all of this?
And that, is truly dangerous.
February 19, 2012
I came across this book on my creative writing course as the writer had also attended the same course. An excerpt was given as an example of an unusual writing style. From that excerpt I wanted to read more.
I liked the way that the book was written as it was an unusual style and leant itself to making me feel in tune with the character and feel her panic and how things were running away with her.
The story itself is about a woman who is getting involved with a man who she really shouldn't be. Everything screams wrong, but she just gets in deeper and deeper. The book was really compelling and I kept wanting to read more, but in a way it was something of a morbid fascination as you know it can't go too well.
The reason I have given this three stars is that I felt I couldn't enjoy it because of the subject and the main character wasn't particularly endearing because of the route she was choosing to take. Despite this, I found that it was a good read, if a little disturbing. I liked the style of writing and would read more by Deborah Kay Davies.
I liked the way that the book was written as it was an unusual style and leant itself to making me feel in tune with the character and feel her panic and how things were running away with her.
The story itself is about a woman who is getting involved with a man who she really shouldn't be. Everything screams wrong, but she just gets in deeper and deeper. The book was really compelling and I kept wanting to read more, but in a way it was something of a morbid fascination as you know it can't go too well.
The reason I have given this three stars is that I felt I couldn't enjoy it because of the subject and the main character wasn't particularly endearing because of the route she was choosing to take. Despite this, I found that it was a good read, if a little disturbing. I liked the style of writing and would read more by Deborah Kay Davies.
April 14, 2015
There is nothing I love more in a novel than well developed characters; unfortunately there were none here. The man was a stereotype. The woman wasn't given any redeeming qualities that would allow me to at least pity her. I wish I'd been given the opportunity to know her because I'd have spent the book connected and sobbing instead of detached and uncomfortable.
I also found several parts of the novel unrealistic. This guy who doesn't know anything about her randomly showing up at her grandmother's funeral was one thing. Another was a woman falling in love with someone based on illicit sex in a car park and staying in love despite never being given more than an ounce (if that) of affection. I never saw this guy's so called charm. Mostly he just whipped out his penis a lot.
The ending didn't help my opinion of the book either. It was engrossing throughout but in the end I felt this one just didn't quite hit the mark.
I also found several parts of the novel unrealistic. This guy who doesn't know anything about her randomly showing up at her grandmother's funeral was one thing. Another was a woman falling in love with someone based on illicit sex in a car park and staying in love despite never being given more than an ounce (if that) of affection. I never saw this guy's so called charm. Mostly he just whipped out his penis a lot.
The ending didn't help my opinion of the book either. It was engrossing throughout but in the end I felt this one just didn't quite hit the mark.
January 8, 2018
I really enjoyed, and was rather creeped out by, Deborah Kay Davies' latest book, Reasons She Goes to the Woods. I therefore picked up True Things About Me during an AbeBooks sale, and ended up enjoying it even more. I was pulled in quite quickly, and found that Davies really gets into the minds of her characters. True Things About Me is a focused character study; there is plot here, and a lot of it is violent, but it is, above all else, about the way in which the female victim copes - or does not cope - with her life. The novel is powerful, taut, and tense, and the last quarter is so fantastic that I could award it no less than five stars.
November 17, 2012
This book was like watching a slow train wreck...
It was bad and then more BAD!
I stopped reading it on the 6th chapter and then jumped to the last chapter to see if this Brit gal ever snaps out of it.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm... what a waste of 45 minutes I spent.
1 star!
P.S. I liked the bacony kisses reference on pg. 48!
I want to experience bacony kisses. :x
It was bad and then more BAD!
I stopped reading it on the 6th chapter and then jumped to the last chapter to see if this Brit gal ever snaps out of it.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm... what a waste of 45 minutes I spent.
1 star!
P.S. I liked the bacony kisses reference on pg. 48!
I want to experience bacony kisses. :x
August 29, 2023
I don’t know how to feel about this book.
I found it really disturbing but in a good way? It’s so weirdly written that it feels like we’re in the narrator’s head with her, in her craziness.
I feel like I can understand her so much but at the same time I don’t because why would she do that to herself? But isn’t it the point of this book? How we can all feel the same loneliness, the same despair but when we look at each others pain we can’t understand? We can’t relate to her because we think we wouldn’t do all the things she does but we can’t know for sure.
However, I think the toxic relationship is not properly represented here. There is no real reason for her to stay with him. I feel like his character was kinda empty and not manipulative enough. He never had something to offer her in the first place. But once again maybe that’s the point, sometimes there is no reasons for choosing someone that has nothing good to offer to you.
I have mixed feelings about this book because some part really hurt my soul but some other just left me puzzled because of how it didn’t make any sense.
I found it really disturbing but in a good way? It’s so weirdly written that it feels like we’re in the narrator’s head with her, in her craziness.
I feel like I can understand her so much but at the same time I don’t because why would she do that to herself? But isn’t it the point of this book? How we can all feel the same loneliness, the same despair but when we look at each others pain we can’t understand? We can’t relate to her because we think we wouldn’t do all the things she does but we can’t know for sure.
However, I think the toxic relationship is not properly represented here. There is no real reason for her to stay with him. I feel like his character was kinda empty and not manipulative enough. He never had something to offer her in the first place. But once again maybe that’s the point, sometimes there is no reasons for choosing someone that has nothing good to offer to you.
I have mixed feelings about this book because some part really hurt my soul but some other just left me puzzled because of how it didn’t make any sense.
July 26, 2025
Very disturbing and very real. Except if this were a true story she may not have made it out alive
May 5, 2023
This was the most beautiful, intelligent, humorous and horrendously painful bit of writing I have ever come across. Oh, the things I would do to read it again for the first time.
January 10, 2018
What a strange book! It had a lot of potential - but it just felt like snippets of a story, rather than the whole thing, which made it hard to sympathize with the main character's bad life choices. I didn't feel that I knew her enough to care.
Surprisingly, I didn't mind the lack of quotations for dialogue - It made it seem more like diary entries or something.
Surprisingly, I didn't mind the lack of quotations for dialogue - It made it seem more like diary entries or something.
March 12, 2011
I heard about this on John Mullan's Culture Show special for World Book Night and was intrigued by what they had to say. In particular, I was interested in the way they all seemed hugely impressed with it, and yet also that there was something not quite right about it.
This novel has been called 'The Bell Jar' for the 21st century. I know the 'Bell Jar' apostles out there are having trouble with this comparison but, personally, I think this is a really apt and useful comparison.
The narrative is essentially the first person narrative of a young woman who is quietly (at first) coming unraveled. We meet her at the point when things are starting to seep out and be noticed by others, and at the point where she falls madly (with a capital madly) in love with an unsuitable Svengali figure, and it's pretty much all downhill from there.
In many ways, this novel does a much better job than The Bell Jar, of conveying the sense of an alienated and isolated character spiraling out of control. Unfortunately, this means that as a reader, you can sometimes feel alienated and isolated from the character. At the same time, Davies manages to convey the worry and shock of those around the narrator, even though this is all filtered through her obliviousness to how far things have gone wrong.
The main problem for me was that, unlike the Bell Jar, no real thesis is advanced as to the how/why of what's happening - although, the more I thought about it, the more it struck me that perhaps, in a post-Bell Jar world, we don't need telling twice.
This novel is ambitious, technically brilliant, insightful, disturbing but not an easy read. But I am off to see what else she has done, and am very much looking for what she does next.
This novel has been called 'The Bell Jar' for the 21st century. I know the 'Bell Jar' apostles out there are having trouble with this comparison but, personally, I think this is a really apt and useful comparison.
The narrative is essentially the first person narrative of a young woman who is quietly (at first) coming unraveled. We meet her at the point when things are starting to seep out and be noticed by others, and at the point where she falls madly (with a capital madly) in love with an unsuitable Svengali figure, and it's pretty much all downhill from there.
In many ways, this novel does a much better job than The Bell Jar, of conveying the sense of an alienated and isolated character spiraling out of control. Unfortunately, this means that as a reader, you can sometimes feel alienated and isolated from the character. At the same time, Davies manages to convey the worry and shock of those around the narrator, even though this is all filtered through her obliviousness to how far things have gone wrong.
The main problem for me was that, unlike the Bell Jar, no real thesis is advanced as to the how/why of what's happening - although, the more I thought about it, the more it struck me that perhaps, in a post-Bell Jar world, we don't need telling twice.
This novel is ambitious, technically brilliant, insightful, disturbing but not an easy read. But I am off to see what else she has done, and am very much looking for what she does next.
May 5, 2011
This book is disturbing but engrossing - It charts the descent of a seemingly normal woman into an obsession with a very unsuitable man whom she meets by chance but whom over the course of a few (often abusive) meetings manages to suck her in and destroy all the good things in her life - her reputation, her friendships, her job and ultimately her self-worth. It is an uncomfortable read in as much as it shows in some ways how easy it is to sit on a very fine line between sanity and insanity and how boundaries between healthy and unhealthy relationships can very easily blur, in parts it is sickening and the descriptions of abuse are raw and uncomfortable. All the way through the book I found myself wanting to shake her, to disbelief that something like this could happen, but the writing is skilful and the book is one that you can relate to on many levels if you have ever fallen for the wrong person. I wanted to keep reading and liked the short chapter layout - was left feeling disturbed and not really knowing how I felt about it (which is why I onyl gave it 3 stars) but I would recommend this book - I suppose it was similar to the Bell Jar in some ways but a more modern raw version
October 22, 2023
An abusive relationship told through the eyes of the victim who is trapped in obsession. Her self-destruction feels a little disconnected from the relationship at times and lacking a connection to her former life. Nonetheless, this is darkly compelling and poised. The casual cruelty and anonymity of the abuser, the sense of two different people, one of whom is disgusted and the other obsessed, and the slow revelation of how little she means to her abuser all add to the sense of a person's life going far off the plan.
Other reviewers complain about the lack of character development or back story for the protagonist. I felt these criticisms were unfair. She clearly does develop through excitement, self-hatred, despair, resolution. Her life falls apart as the relationship and her obsessions take a toll on her.
With regard to back story, we are not given this on a plate but it is clear the protagonist has a lonely life with just one friend and a somewhat stifling family. She seems to lack interest in everyday life or hobbies. Looked at through this lens, her obsession with someone different and her misunderstanding of the initial relationship seems more comprehensible.
Other reviewers complain about the lack of character development or back story for the protagonist. I felt these criticisms were unfair. She clearly does develop through excitement, self-hatred, despair, resolution. Her life falls apart as the relationship and her obsessions take a toll on her.
With regard to back story, we are not given this on a plate but it is clear the protagonist has a lonely life with just one friend and a somewhat stifling family. She seems to lack interest in everyday life or hobbies. Looked at through this lens, her obsession with someone different and her misunderstanding of the initial relationship seems more comprehensible.
February 4, 2019
A weird combination of nostalgia, disgust, desperation, and understanding.
Although some might note that each chapter is merely a flash of the protagonists life, I disagree. They flow and skip time which would waste a readers experience and would make the book drag. I would describe this as a miniature character study of a woman struggling with lust over an exciting and exhilarating man who lightens her dull life. His mistreatment of her ensues to a climax handled carefully and shockingly. I also love that she expresses the kindness of women in the oddest of ways.
A realistic take on abuse and how easily it could be you in that situation...
Amazing told.
I'm excited to read more from Davies.
Although some might note that each chapter is merely a flash of the protagonists life, I disagree. They flow and skip time which would waste a readers experience and would make the book drag. I would describe this as a miniature character study of a woman struggling with lust over an exciting and exhilarating man who lightens her dull life. His mistreatment of her ensues to a climax handled carefully and shockingly. I also love that she expresses the kindness of women in the oddest of ways.
A realistic take on abuse and how easily it could be you in that situation...
Amazing told.
I'm excited to read more from Davies.
March 20, 2017
There are some phrases in this book that are just perfect. Like:
"I began to feel the soggy, sluggish, melancholy feeling early evening can give you."
or
"Outside the rain fell in a Monday-morning way, straight and never-ending."
But generally reading this book is like being inside a long nightmare. It's unsettling and nonsensical and dark and upsetting, and I am glad I finished it so that now I can get it out of my house.
"I began to feel the soggy, sluggish, melancholy feeling early evening can give you."
or
"Outside the rain fell in a Monday-morning way, straight and never-ending."
But generally reading this book is like being inside a long nightmare. It's unsettling and nonsensical and dark and upsetting, and I am glad I finished it so that now I can get it out of my house.
June 1, 2014
I loved True Things About Me. I could not help myself feeling a little sorry for the young woman leading her life having sex in an underground parking lot. I since have read this month Deborah Kay Davies new novel Reasons She Goes To The Woods. I can not wait for Deborah Kay Davies to write her next novel, as I am in the que.
April 16, 2025
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July 31, 2025
Déliquescence est un roman qui m’a profondément troublée et marquée. C’est un livre fort, parfois dur à lire, mais justement parce qu’il touche à des réalités douloureuses, complexes, et souvent invisibles. Il m’a mise face à mes propres contradictions.
Ce que j’ai trouvé particulièrement puissant, c’est la manière dont le roman aborde la dépendance affective, la violence psychologique, et ce que signifie réellement le viol dans un cadre de domination émotionnelle. Ce n’est pas un récit édulcoré : il dérange, il fait réfléchir, et parfois même il fait peur, car il expose des mécanismes de contrôle qu’on ne reconnaît pas toujours tout de suite.
J’ai été frappée par la justesse émotionnelle du personnage principal. Elle nous transmet tout ce qu’elle ressent avec une grande intensité, au point que je me suis surprise, parfois, à ne pas ressentir de pitié pour elle, mais plutôt de la colère. Je la trouvais « bête » de rester avec un homme aussi destructeur, et en même temps, le roman m’a fait comprendre à quel point il est difficile de sortir d’une emprise. C’est précisément là que réside la force du livre : il ne juge pas, il montre.
Il y a toutefois un aspect qui m’a un peu déroutée : le début du roman. L’enchaînement est très rapide :un inconnu croisé au travail, puis soudain une relation, puis une sorte d’amour immédiat. J’ai eu du mal à comprendre ce basculement. Mais avec du recul, je pense que c’est une façon volontaire de montrer l’aveuglement initial, cette vitesse avec laquelle certaines histoires toxiques peuvent commencer, sans qu’on ait le temps de dire stop.
Finalement, Déliquescence est, à mes yeux, un livre nécessaire, qui dénonce sans dramatiser, et raconte sans caricature. Il m’a ouvert les yeux sur des réalités insidieuses. Ce n’est pas une lecture confortable, mais c’est une lecture essentielle.
Ce que j’ai trouvé particulièrement puissant, c’est la manière dont le roman aborde la dépendance affective, la violence psychologique, et ce que signifie réellement le viol dans un cadre de domination émotionnelle. Ce n’est pas un récit édulcoré : il dérange, il fait réfléchir, et parfois même il fait peur, car il expose des mécanismes de contrôle qu’on ne reconnaît pas toujours tout de suite.
J’ai été frappée par la justesse émotionnelle du personnage principal. Elle nous transmet tout ce qu’elle ressent avec une grande intensité, au point que je me suis surprise, parfois, à ne pas ressentir de pitié pour elle, mais plutôt de la colère. Je la trouvais « bête » de rester avec un homme aussi destructeur, et en même temps, le roman m’a fait comprendre à quel point il est difficile de sortir d’une emprise. C’est précisément là que réside la force du livre : il ne juge pas, il montre.
Il y a toutefois un aspect qui m’a un peu déroutée : le début du roman. L’enchaînement est très rapide :un inconnu croisé au travail, puis soudain une relation, puis une sorte d’amour immédiat. J’ai eu du mal à comprendre ce basculement. Mais avec du recul, je pense que c’est une façon volontaire de montrer l’aveuglement initial, cette vitesse avec laquelle certaines histoires toxiques peuvent commencer, sans qu’on ait le temps de dire stop.
Finalement, Déliquescence est, à mes yeux, un livre nécessaire, qui dénonce sans dramatiser, et raconte sans caricature. Il m’a ouvert les yeux sur des réalités insidieuses. Ce n’est pas une lecture confortable, mais c’est une lecture essentielle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2021
True Things About Me by Deborah Kay Davies felt like an early precursor to the lost young woman troupe that’s been on shelves for the last few years. This short novel focuses on an unnamed 20-something woman working a monotonous office job. One day she meets a client and has an aggressive sexual experience inside the car park below her office, which improbably leads to a series of strange and random sadomasochistic encounters. Her life slowly unravels as she falls under his intoxicating influence.
Their relationship felt like an allegory for addiction. The main character is often aware of how much he (also unnamed) is harming her, and yet she is willing to give up her entire life for a few minutes of his attention. Their relationship is extremely confusing and abusive (there were many instances where I was left wondering if he had just raped her though she never expressly considered it as such). This book made me feel dirty and physically nauseous. It has strong similarities to The New Me by Halle Butler (which I did not like) and My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh (which I loved). Overall it was well written and had potential, but I felt like something was still missing.
Their relationship felt like an allegory for addiction. The main character is often aware of how much he (also unnamed) is harming her, and yet she is willing to give up her entire life for a few minutes of his attention. Their relationship is extremely confusing and abusive (there were many instances where I was left wondering if he had just raped her though she never expressly considered it as such). This book made me feel dirty and physically nauseous. It has strong similarities to The New Me by Halle Butler (which I did not like) and My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh (which I loved). Overall it was well written and had potential, but I felt like something was still missing.
February 16, 2024
Looking for a powerful novel that explores the dark side of being human? “True Things About Me” by Deborah Kay Davies is my recommendation.
I read it a while ago, but nonetheless it is one of the books I always recommend to those who don’t shy away from diving into the dark side.
Beautifully written narrative about obsessions that lead people to loosing their sense of self and self-destruction.
True Things About Me is a focused character study; there is plot here, and a lot of it is violent, but it is, above all else, about the way in which the female victim copes - or does not cope - with her life. The novel is powerful, taut, and tense: a weird combination of nostalgia, disgust, desperation, and understanding. It is dark, depressing, and you need to be prepared for violence (emotional and physical).
It’s a miniature character study of a woman struggling with lust over an exciting and exhilarating man who lightens her dull life. His mistreatment of her leads to a climax handled carefully and shockingly.
I read it a while ago, but nonetheless it is one of the books I always recommend to those who don’t shy away from diving into the dark side.
Beautifully written narrative about obsessions that lead people to loosing their sense of self and self-destruction.
True Things About Me is a focused character study; there is plot here, and a lot of it is violent, but it is, above all else, about the way in which the female victim copes - or does not cope - with her life. The novel is powerful, taut, and tense: a weird combination of nostalgia, disgust, desperation, and understanding. It is dark, depressing, and you need to be prepared for violence (emotional and physical).
It’s a miniature character study of a woman struggling with lust over an exciting and exhilarating man who lightens her dull life. His mistreatment of her leads to a climax handled carefully and shockingly.
December 20, 2020
I came to this book through the news about the forthcoming adaptation.
The one still from the film that's available and its brief synopsis pulled me in, so I thought I'd do some research.
I like reverse engineering my reading habits this way, it gives me a sense of urgency and I enjoy imagining how the film might look, or how it might be entirely different from what I see in my mind's eye while reading.
Ruth Wilson is brilliant casting for the lead and I guess Tom Burke is destined to play asshole boyfriends for at least the better part of his career.
True Things About Me was almost too easy to read, and always in such perfect flow that I often had to put it down to avoid finishing too quickly.
I understood the narrator entirely, and felt one with her at many times.
Davies' matter of fact style mixed with moments of poeticism make her novel an incisive, bitter little delight.
The one still from the film that's available and its brief synopsis pulled me in, so I thought I'd do some research.
I like reverse engineering my reading habits this way, it gives me a sense of urgency and I enjoy imagining how the film might look, or how it might be entirely different from what I see in my mind's eye while reading.
Ruth Wilson is brilliant casting for the lead and I guess Tom Burke is destined to play asshole boyfriends for at least the better part of his career.
True Things About Me was almost too easy to read, and always in such perfect flow that I often had to put it down to avoid finishing too quickly.
I understood the narrator entirely, and felt one with her at many times.
Davies' matter of fact style mixed with moments of poeticism make her novel an incisive, bitter little delight.
July 6, 2022
It's hard for me to know what to say about this book. On the one hand, I'm giving it 3 stars, because I couldn't put it down. I found it fascinating and engaging from the start, and I couldn't wait to see how it concluded. Until I read the end, and............not giving any spoilers away, the ending was so unfinished and (insert frustrated growl) that it made me angry that I had invested my time caring about this woman. It made me even more frustrated at all of the things she allowed to happen around her, while doing nothing about it. I should give it 1 star, but I still feel there is something special about this book........something that captures the fragility and vulnerability (in an exaggerated way) that comes with being in love and being incredibly lonely, and on the cusp of nervous breakdown.
August 22, 2023
I read this book in one sitting. As the nameless protagonist spirals further and further out of control you want to know where it will end. I thought the ending was totally fitting although it leaves the reader with a rash of unanswered questions! Being caught in the web of obsession with another person (who is wholly bad for you) is fascinating, frightening and strangely relatable. I love psychological thrillers so I think that is why I was immediately swept up into this book. I cannot decide whether to watch the movie or not. The device in the book which I enjoyed was the chapter headings which were conversational and traced the protagonist's decline.
March 25, 2022
I bought this book when a friend and I found it on a bookstore clearance shelf and and were amused by the chapter headings ("I advise on sartorial issues," "I misuse bread," "I am a one-trick pony," "I don't like parties"). I did not read the synopsis on the back, perhaps because it is printed sideways, so I was unprepared for this to be as sexually graphic and as casually depressing as it is. Nevertheless, I found it a darkly compelling (and yes, at times, funny) tragedy about an abusive relationship. Davies writes brilliantly, even if the clever chapter headings are still the best part.
October 16, 2022
Beautifully written and an important narrative about women (and people in general). The book is about obsessions and how a person can loose their sense of self and become destructive while blind into an obsession. The book is very depressing, so you need to have the stomach for it. This book was turned into a film played by Ruth Wilson and Tom Burke, and directed by Harry Wootliff. The guy’s character is A LOT lighter in the film. It’s a quick and easy read, just be prepared for violence (emotional and physical).
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