I received an ARC of this book with thanks to Scribe UK via NetGalley.

Adelaide Book Club - February Selection.

"Parting ways with someone or something doesn't always make sense, so people often create reasons to be angry and resentful, because it weaves a stronger narrative around the process of letting go."

Set in Melbourne, we follow a young woman over the course of one evening as she gets ready and attends a house party, before leaving said party with a new male acquaintance.

Perhaps attributed to being written by a neurodiverse author, this was quite unlike anything I've ever read before. It was refreshing to be introduced to a character so unashamed in sharing and truly owning their beliefs and their truths (if at times also slightly exhausting). It touched on many "hot" topics within in the media and society over the past 5-10 years (namely Indigenous land rights and rape culture) that many people are perhaps cautious to discuss. I appreciated the vulnerability and boldness in sharing these views when many are quick to 'cancel' and shame others in our current climate. I found the privilege toward the end of the book slightly confronting, but nothing that markedly changed my perspective on the narrative. It's definitely a book that will evoke discussions (a very good thing) and a book that made me consider my thoughts from a different perspective.

(Also, Porkchop sounds like a remarkable cat.)

3.5 stars.