Book Review: Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake
When I first encountered the title Girl Dinner, I must admit I couldn’t resist picking it up. After all, Olivie Blake has this magical way of crafting narratives that pull you in, leaving you curious about whatever she’s cooking up next. I’ve previously joked that I’d read her shopping list, so you can understand my excitement—and perhaps a hint of apprehension—about what this book might actually entail. Little did I know, Girl Dinner isn’t just a quirky romp about food; it’s an audacious exploration of womanhood, societal expectations, and the delightful absurdity nestled within them.
At its heart, Girl Dinner weaves together the lives of two distinct characters: Sloane, a new mother grappling with the unrelenting demands of motherhood and academia, and Nina, a sophomore eager to claim her spot in the elite sorority scene. As Sloane navigates a suffocating environment rife with gender biases—trying to be seen and heard in a department dominated by men—Nina yearns for belonging, convinced that entering "The House" will launch her into a world of infinite possibilities.
What surprised me most was how Blake masterfully delves into the darker corners of love and identity. The book contemplates the transformations that come with motherhood, highlighting Sloane’s struggle—not just with her changing body, but with the madness and pain associated with an all-consuming love for her daughter. The prose often feels like a stream of consciousness, presenting uncomfortable truths with a biting humor that left me both laughing and cringing. At times, I felt like I was tiptoeing through a cultural minefield, experiencing the weight of expectations and the desire to rebel against them.
Blake’s writing style is both unique and provocative; it’s a style that you’ll either love or find jarring. Phrases like, “But even if she didn’t, Max was basically a lock for tenure… not that he would,” resonate deeply, capturing the essence of societal absurdities and the often unspoken truths women face every day. This low-key exploration of emotional chaos feels almost like an invitation for readers to recognize their own lives within the narrative. Are we all secretly destined to be part of some chaotic cult of womanhood, straddling the line between rebellion and conformity?
Though I wouldn’t call Girl Dinner my favorite of Blake’s works, it is undoubtedly an engrossing read that had me devouring every page. It’s a hot mess in the best way possible, packed with audacious insights and a sharp wit that delivers a stinging critique of societal norms. If you loved Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, it’s likely you’ll find something to latch onto in Blake’s latest offering.
In a world that often tells women how to behave, Girl Dinner serves as both a mirror and a challenge. It invites us to question the roles we play and the expectations we navigate. I would recommend this book to anyone ready to confront uncomfortable truths with humor—be you a mother, a daughter, or simply someone seeking connection in a chaotic world. This reading experience left me with far more than just crumbs; it stirred a conversation in me that I didn’t know I needed to have.
Happy reading, friends!