"Two Girls, Fat and Thin" by Mary Gaitskill is a novel that deeply explores the complex issues of body image, identity, and the human desire for connection. The story follows the lives of two women, Justine Shade and Dorothy Never, who, despite their apparent differences, are drawn together by their shared obsession with a woman named Anna Granite.
Justine is a young woman struggling with her body image and self-worth. She becomes infatuated with Anna, a militant fat activist who she sees as a symbol of strength and rebellion against society's narrow beauty standards. As both women become involved in a magazine project aimed at challenging these standards, their paths inevitably intersect. Gaitskill delves into Justine's perspective, shedding light on the harmful impact of society's obsession with thinness and the constant pressure to conform.
On the other hand, Dorothy, a former member of a cult called "Children's Benevolence," finds solace in stalking Anna Granite. Dorothy's obsession stems from her own traumatic past and her yearning for meaning and connection. Gaitskill skillfully portrays Dorothy's intense longing, blurring the lines between admiration, envy, and resentment.
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Gaitskill's prose is captivating, enveloping readers in a world of vivid descriptions that evoke a powerful emotional response. The characters she creates are deeply flawed and complex, their struggles and emotions portrayed with brutal honesty. The author seamlessly weaves between past and present, providing glimpses into the characters' backstories and providing key insights into their motivations.
"Two Girls, Fat and Thin" is not a lighthearted read, as it tackles weighty themes head-on. However, Gaitskill's impeccable storytelling skills and her insightful exploration of body image and identity make it a compelling and thought-provoking novel. This book challenges societal norms and prompts readers to question the narrow definitions of beauty that continue to shape our world.
What are readers saying?
"Two Girls, Fat and Thin" by Mary Gaitskill is an emotionally charged and thought-provoking novel that has garnered mixed reviews from readers. While some found it to be a compelling exploration of societal expectations and personal identity, others felt disconnected from the characters and found the narrative to be disjointed.
A common praise among those who enjoyed the book is the depth and complexity of the characters. Gaitskill skillfully delves into their struggles and experiences, allowing readers to engage with their complexities. The novel's examination of body image and societal beauty standards struck a chord with many, shedding light on the detrimental impact of such expectations on individuals. Gaitskill's authentic and raw prose was also commended for enhancing the believability of the characters' stories.
However, there were also readers who were less enthralled by "Two Girls, Fat and Thin." One main criticism was its disjointed narrative structure, which hindered some readers from fully immersing themselves in the story. Certain readers also found the characters unlikeable and unrelatable, which diminished their overall enjoyment of the novel.
Furthermore, the book's unconventional approach to storytelling and its inclusion of explicit content may not appeal to everyone's taste. Some readers found specific scenes and themes uncomfortable to read, while others appreciated Gaitskill's willingness to push boundaries and tackle challenging subjects.
Despite the mixed reviews, it is clear that "Two Girls, Fat and Thin" elicits strong emotions and offers a thought-provoking exploration of body image, societal expectations, and personal identity. Whether one connects with the characters and appreciates the novel's unconventional narrative style will largely depend on personal preferences and the ability to tolerate explicit content. If one enjoys introspective and raw examinations of complex themes, this book may be worth considering.
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