I’m living my life waiting for the man who comes for me like one did for Anna, with hungry eyes behind the wheel and rope in the trunk.Īll of the characters are so complex and well-developed, not just in themselves but also in their relationships with their families and each other. It's a very dark, unflinching look at rape culture, slut-shaming and the long-lasting effects of sexual assault not just on the victims, but on those close to them. When she kills her sister's murderer and gets away with it, she realizes she might not be able to stop. She is detached, strange, and knows there's something wrong with her.

The Female of the Species is told from the perspective of three different characters - Alex, whose sister was raped and murdered Jack, the popular guy who desperately wants to get to know Alex and Peekay, the preacher's kid whose ex-boyfriend ditched her for the beautiful Branley, and who now works at the animal shelter with Alex.Īlex is haunted by her sister's murder. I don't even know how to adequately explain it. Well, maybe if you have a sadistic sense of humour, which it turns out I do.

But it's a very sharp and effective look at sexual assault and rape culture too. At times it's absolutely disgustingly awful. Quick warning: this book may not be suitable to those sensitive to rape and/or animal cruelty. Rather like the female of the species, I suppose. It sits there all unassuming with its cute yellow cover and pictures of animals, but underneath it has some serious fangs.

Female of the species mindy mcginnis