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February 24, 2026
Suckerfish by Ashani Lewis review
This is a wry and likably feisty account of the destructive power an unstable parent can wield over her offspring
TL;DR
- The novel "Suckerfish" by Ashani Lewis is reviewed, focusing on the abusive behavior of the mother, Lalita, towards her children.
- The reviewer questions the book's marketing as a "love letter to childishness," suggesting it's a more complex exploration of parental damage.
- Lewis's writing is described as feisty and engaging, with sharp observations, though the narrative structure is criticized for relying too heavily on flashbacks.
- The review highlights inconsistencies in the portrayal of Kolia's understanding of her mother's actions.
- The reviewer relates personally to the themes of parental abuse and views the novel as a "cry of pure rage" against the annihilation of self caused by such upbringing.
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