Wife Shaped Bodies has me feeling things
I haven't finished the book yet, so please no spoilers but.. I need to talk about it.
It's so visceral. It's so gripping. I am absolutely awed by the talent and ingenuity of Laura Cranehill. The division of the two sexes, the complete lack of overlap between them, the
The men! With the Cornell 7 case coming to light, I really don't need to feel anger for men any more than I already do but, damn, the feeling of fear and contempt (verging on loathing) the main character feels for "the men"... has my skin crawling with rage.
I also feel a deep, deep sadness about her relationship with Silas. She seems incapable of imagining he is lonely and (to some extent) kind (I'm at the bit where she just moved in). It also isn't lost on me that his seeming kindness is still a behaviour splayed on the background of him having taken this wife, therefore taking advantage of the patriarchal tradition he lives in. I can't wait to see how they navigate it.
The women! Her relationship with Thegan so far (is it romantic?? idk yet pls don't tell me :D ). The underlying feeling that she feels she needs to be close to women to survive and maybe even thrive (I hope). The relationship with other women. The notion of never being allowed to touch but doing it anyway, because they need it (the uncovering of that detail drew a quiet sob out of me on the tube).
The worldbuilding! Ms Cranehill, you're a blessing. All the above is tied together by her ability to reveal details at exactly the right pace and to really build her world by crucial cultural and natural details, without divulging details that would be unrealistic. Her characters' thoughts seem to be immersed in her world with great care, and therefore, this translates to us with masterful little revelations that sink us deeper into a carefully crafted reality.
Sorry, I'm rambling but yeah... I'm immensely impressed and affected so far, and am wondering how others felt.
P.s. and a debut! What a talented author!!