The Subtweet

A Novel

paperback, 248 pages

Published April 7, 2020 by ECW Press.

ISBN:
978-1-77041-525-6
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(3 reviews)

Celebrated multidisciplinary artist Vivek Shraya’s second novel is a no-holds-barred examination of the music industry, social media, and making art in the modern era, shining a light on the promise and peril of being seen.

Indie musician Neela Devaki has built a career writing the songs she wants to hear but nobody else is singing. When one of Neela’s songs is covered by internet artist RUK-MINI and becomes a viral sensation, the two musicians meet and a transformative friendship begins. But before long, the systemic pressures that pit women against one another begin to bear down on Neela and RUK-MINI, stirring up self-doubt and jealousy. With a single tweet, their friendship implodes, a career is destroyed, and the two women find themselves at the centre of an internet firestorm.

4 editions

Review of 'The Subtweet' on 'Goodreads'

Definitely interesting themes explored here. Reminded me of We Will Not Cancel Us in the exploration of people of color “canceling” other people of color. It’s messy, and Rukmini and Neela really feel like individuals with insecurities and flaws.

The music scene aspect was dull for me because I’m not into music enough and I don’t often like books about art that aren’t largely a critique of it. I did enjoy this issue of who creates good music and how does it gain popularity.

Some of the commentary here felt too on the nose and explicitly stated to be as thought provoking as it could be. It’s also a story of realism which is not my preference. I like it when women go off the rails

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