Arti’s Reviews > You Feel It Just Below the Ribs > Status Update

SHE FEELS IT. JUST BENEATH THE RIBS.... THERE IT IS.....

Questioning the differences and potential overlap of the questions:
- What is necessary?
- What is good?
- What is right?
Is what is necessary good? Is it right? Is the right thing a good thing? Is it necessary? Interesting philosophical queries.

Hooooooooly cow I cannot get over how much I am enjoying the interludes attempting to discredit Miriam's experiences. History is written by the winners, and Miriam obviously didn't win. The fact that the account exists at all in this universe is a testament to that in its own right. Miriam's manuscript was allowed to be published, but only with the understanding that she is wrong.

An unreliable narrator is a lovable one. I adore the differences in her own accounts vs the history and context provided in the notes. It really brings to question what is true and what is fiction in this narrative. I enjoy the break reminding the reader to remain emotionally distanced from Miriam's account due to possible inaccuracies.

The inserts of information attempting to discredit Miriam are really interesting to me. I feel like it's showing two truths sometimes. For example, the mentioning of the orphanages not being organized from Miriam's point of view, but the info stating that government efforts were being made to care for them. I feel like both were likely true.

The amount that Miriam dismisses her own thoughts is exceeding and very relatable. I really enjoy the way she dismisses her own humanizing thoughts and how that continues to characterize her every time she says "it doesn't matter" or "well, anyway..." after going through a really interesting piece of information about her own thoughts.

I really love the structure of this book. The interjections with "corrections" or additional information are exciting and engaging!