'A Touch of Jen' by Beth Morgan is a novel that delves into the lives of a couple, Remy and Alicia, who become consumed by their obsession with a woman named Jen. Initially exploring themes of shallow lives and selfishness, the book takes a bizarre turn that leads to a nightmarish and hallucinatory experience for the characters. As they are drawn deeper into Jen's world, the story evolves into a blend of genres, offering a wild and unpredictable narrative that challenges traditional storytelling boundaries. The author's writing style is described as sharp, realistic, and sophisticated, with a focus on psychological states and character development that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers may include themes of obsession, mental health issues, body horror, and disturbing imagery.
From The Publisher:
A young couple's toxic Instagram crush spins out of control and unleashes a sinister creature in this twisted, viciously funny, "bananas good" debut. (Carmen Maria Machado)
"Um, holy shit...This novel will be the most fun you'll have this summer." -Emily Temple, Literary Hub
Remy and Alicia, a couple of insecure service workers, are not particularly happy together. But they are bound by a shared obsession with Jen, a beautiful former co-worker of Remy's who now seems to be following her bliss as a globe-trotting jewelry designer. In and outside the bedroom, Remy and Alicia's entire relationship revolves around fantasies of Jen, whose every Instagram caption, outfit, and new age mantra they know by heart.
Imagine their confused excitement when they run into Jen, in the flesh, and she invites them on a surfing trip to the Hamptons with her wealthy boyfriend and their group. Once there, Remy and Alicia try (a little too hard) to fit into Jen's exalted social circle, but violent desire and class resentment bubble beneath the surface of this beachside paradise, threatening to erupt. As small disturbances escalate into outright horror, we find ourselves tumbling with Remy and Alicia into an uncanny alternate reality, one shaped by their most unspeakable, deviant, and intoxicating fantasies. Is this what "self-actualization" looks like?
Part millennial social comedy, part psychedelic horror, and all wildly entertaining, A Touch of Jen is a sly, unflinching examination of the hidden drives that lurk just outside the frame of our carefully curated selves.
Ratings (18)
Incredible (3) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (3) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (65):
Read It (18) | |
Want To Read (43) | |
Not Interested (4) |
1 comment(s)
What did I just read? I couldn't tell if the story was that of mental illness or paranormal (or both)? The first quarter was fast paced and I just kept asking myself when will they hook up with Jen? Why are they both so obsessed with her? I like the idea that the story was about Remy's mental illness and what happened with their obsession and after a tragic loss.
What can you read after
A Touch of Jen?
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