The Icarus Girl is a big (very creepy) tease

I didn't go to sleep last night. I got into bed and attempted to read my chapter or two and ended up reading until I was done...at 5 o'clock in the morning! Every time I finished one chapter, I had to read the next and then the next. But nothing ever happened...other than extreme creepiness due to the main character, 8 year old Jess's evil-creepy alter ego/spirit/imaginary friend of the same age. I had way too many questions when this story was done. I mean, I like it when the story kind of stays with you at the end and gives you things to think about, but this story just seems unfinished. Like the author got tired after the first half and neglected to revisit characters and events that were developed and foreshadowed earlier. Actually, I think the foreshadowing was all in my head...part of my need to know more...my refusal to believe that there wasn't more to be told of certain events later. I expected to learn so much in the second half of the book. Like I said, I stayed up all night to find out. All night. And nothing. Maybe it's Helen Oyeyemi's age (19 when she wrote it) or my inability to read and understand her kind of storytelling. Whatever the case, I did not love this book. I wanted to SO badly. I think it's worthy of a re-read...in a year or so. Maybe it was me. I'm willing to give it another chance just to be sure.

This review was also posted in reply on Literati Dominicus.

Comments

[princessdominique]

Sounds interesting, the book that is. I like to hear about people who read and are willing to try "new" things. Happy New Year.

[E to the Dwige]

Quel, I'm so glad you finished the book. I didn't get the feeling that the book was unfinished but I wanted additional answers.

If you haven't read the book stop here.

For example was it all in her head or was voodou involved? Was she just in need of therapy and medication? I say we call Helen and ask her :-).

[RBG]

Sounds like a book I need to check out. Loves pages turners.