kimberly_rose’s Reviews > NonConsensual Love > Status Update

Needs an copy editor, and sometimes it reads a bit chop, chop, choppy, and the sisters are completely under-developed, but--holy fuck--this was memorable: unusual, vibrant, challenging, brave. I have a lot of respect for this author. The narrator's voice is strong and alive. I think many people will be offended, outraged even, at this story, but I think it's deep, mature, full of empathy and love, and life wisdom.

I have never read a more powerful, persuasive book that provides a mature, open-minded understanding on the respect and love between both parties in the ancient culture of older/younger sex/love partners for specific purposes such as support, education, companionship, etc.: erastes/erômenos (Greek), nenja/acolyte (Japanese monastic), nenja/chigo (Japanese military).

A surprisingly serious story so far, written with a believable fifteen-year-old narrator. His internal development is just so gradual and compelling and... just so damn Mesmerizing. His prejudice is sharp, but honest. And Sno. What a fascinating, mortally ambiguous person. This writer is talented, presenting complex people. Also, again with the present tense! It's a rare stylistic choice. Vibrates with immediacy.