Damsel Distressed by Kelsey Macke

Challenge #49 ~ “A book with a two word title where both words have two syllables.”

damseldistressed

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

An entertaining work of contemporary YA, Damsel Distressed is an easy read, albeit one that tackles some serious themes along the way. Macke does an incredible job of making the characters’ struggles relatable and has some top-notch rounded side characters (which, arguably, are better constructed than our protagonist who proves one-dimensional and very difficult to connect with). The vast array of themes addressed, however, means that several are merely glossed over and this, combined with some unrealistic and occasionally out-of-character plot points, let the book down overall.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Macke’s representation and discussion of depression in the book was well-handled, and I’ve heard from many with first-hand experience that is was very accurate and relatable. (Hard-hitting, though, especially if it’s something fresh or particularly tender right now – so put yourself first, this book (and any book, really) isn’t worth your mental health!) Sure, I questioned how quickly everything resolved at the end, but recovery isn’t (for once) seen as a straight path, or one with an end that, once achieved, means everything is OK again and forever will be.

A warning for the book:

I wouldn’t call this a Cinderella retelling, more simply a story about stepsisters in high school navigating teenage romance (there wasn’t even really a shared love interest!). Ella Cinder (or Carmella, as she’s actually called for a lot of the book – did she need to be called Ella Cinder?) was also probably the weakest side character, given absolutely no depth. She seemed to be mean solely for the point of being mean, which served only to undermine the strength of the story as a whole. I liked the initial way Imogen (our protagonist) contrasted her life with a fairytale story, but the half-hearted commitment to the idea throughout the rest of the book spoilt it – either commit fully or don’t bother.

Recommended for fans of: