Erin reviewed Book of X by Sarah Rose Etter
Review of 'Book of X' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
This is a book for discussion for sure. There’s a lot to dissect and mull over.
To me, the knot can be so many things and operates as so many things in the story. It could be a literal representation of a “knot in your stomach” due to anxiety. It could be endometriosis or other uterine health issue. It could be more generally a woman’s burden. It could be visible disability. I think it’s any or all, it’s versatile.
This is a very, very sad and dark story. One of the saddest moments for me is not only the rape scene but her reimagining of it afterward. What she hoped for.
The fact that she removed the knot and was still incredibly lonely. Ugh. So sad.
Favorite quotes:
“Oh well,” I say. “I’m tired of cleaning that damn house.”
My father lets out a howl. “Oh, you’re honest today?” he …
This is a book for discussion for sure. There’s a lot to dissect and mull over.
To me, the knot can be so many things and operates as so many things in the story. It could be a literal representation of a “knot in your stomach” due to anxiety. It could be endometriosis or other uterine health issue. It could be more generally a woman’s burden. It could be visible disability. I think it’s any or all, it’s versatile.
This is a very, very sad and dark story. One of the saddest moments for me is not only the rape scene but her reimagining of it afterward. What she hoped for.
The fact that she removed the knot and was still incredibly lonely. Ugh. So sad.
Favorite quotes:
“Oh well,” I say. “I’m tired of cleaning that damn house.”
My father lets out a howl. “Oh, you’re honest today?” he asks.
I nod vigorously and look out the window as if his laughter doesn’t light me up inside, as if it isn’t a prize, as if it isn’t a thousand golden coins raining down on me.
Before I leave, I put in my false heart, which sits in front of my regular heart. The false heart is made of thin red plastic and covers my real heart, quiets the beating, an extra protection.
My heart is a cavern, dug out with the shovel of the fact.
