It’s a very sad thought that a girl always has to be vigilant, be on her feet at all times because any time, she could be a victim of sexual abuse whether physically, verbally, psychologically and emotionally. This is how Alex, the lead character in the story lives because she has learned very early in life that she always has to protect herself and if possible every girl she knows from different forms of sexual assault. It’s an even sadder thought that this doesn’t only happen in fiction.
Our culture has become immune to abusive language, welcoming it as part of daily conversations, dismissing a sexually lewd action as another joke excusing boys for being boys. The word “bitch” casually thrown like it means nothing when it could possibly damage a girl’s self-worth. And it’s always been like this and always will be unless a person speaks up and actually do something against it because how hard could it be to tell a teenaged boy that his obscene action which he disguises as a “joke” is actually a form of sexual assault?
Female of the Species attempts to address these things in a very unique, dark and twisted plot in which our hero decides to take justice in her own hands. But as she goes on with her plans and plots, she unexpectedly earns friends consequently reminding her of how it is to be human and unexpectedly opening herself up, learning once again how to feel and how to actually be happy.
The story isn’t perfect. There weren’t concrete resolutions in the end and I’m particularly very unhappy about that tragic ending. I also still feel weird about several characters’ situations particularly that of Branley and Jack. I mean their relationship is so messed up, it’s kind of really hard to ignore which is the same reason I’ve been waiting for Jack to blow his actual chances with Alex.. But it’s still a very interesting read, very daring actually and somehow also educating and some parts inspiring. If there were better resolutions, I’d probably give it five stars.
I keep meaning to pick this book up. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something if I keep getting gentle reminders :s Thanks for sharing a great review.