Book Review: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
(c) Sarah Zonio, 2023
Such a Fun Age talks about the transactional relationships that are often seen between races. Though, the plot seemed promising, I felt a strong disconnect between most of the characters and their ties with one another.
One, I never understood Kelley’s character and the essence of his relationship with Emira. Why was it so important for the author to highlight the fact that his friends were mostly Africans and the fact that he and Emira had to have an intimate relationship when he won’t anyways add depth to the plot. His character was promising but as the story progressed, it became more of a filler. It was quite disappointing because then it felt like the romance substance just had to be injected into the plot for the sake of it.
Two, Alix and Emira’s relationship felt so odd & awkward. The fact that the author was successful in making me feel that way about their relationship was great. Though at some point in the book, I had more questions than answers. Was she genuinely trying to help Emira? From a certain perspective, it felt like it. But then she also does things that make her character so oddly obsessed towards Emira.
Third, the ending. With Emira finally realising her worth, I expected the author to shine a different kind of strength on her. But sadly, the ending felt rushed and flat.
On a hindsight, I loved Emira’s relationship with Bri and Zahra. They were very realistic and solid.
Rating: ✮✮.5
