12 Nov Book Review of Female Fantasy
Female Fantasy: A Road Trip Through Love and Literary Yearning
When I first stumbled upon Female Fantasy by Zara Hossain, the premise immediately caught my attention. An Iranian-American female lead chasing down the guy her book boyfriend was based on? As a romantic at heart, I couldn’t resist the allure. Here was a narrative that promised not only a journey through the fantastical world of love but also a deeper exploration of identity and desire—all while riding the waves of humor and satire. Alas, while the book had moments of brilliance, it ultimately felt like it didn’t quite live up to its sprawling potential.
At the center of this narrative is Joonie, a charmingly relatable protagonist whose north star is Ryke, a merman from her favorite series. Fresh out of an emotionally abusive relationship, Joonie’s quest isn’t just about tracking down Ryke—a metaphorical quest for an ideal love—but also about rediscovering herself. I truly appreciated the way her background as an Iranian-American illuminated her experiences of assimilation and self-discovery. Joonie’s vulnerability was palpable, especially as reflections on her bullying and past hurt grounded her sometimes outrageous decisions.
However, that grounding often felt overshadowed by a plot that meandered randomly at points. With her cynical brother’s best friend, Nico, tagging along on their road trip to New York City, the story could have turned into a zany adventure. It had the makings of classic "friends to lovers" charm and unexpected hijinks, yet the rhythm felt off. Instead of a consistently engaging narrative arc, we sometimes drifted into subplots—like a psychic mafia subplot—that felt more jarring than amusing.
The promise of humor and satire, highlighted in the book’s marketing, pulled me in with high hopes. Hossain’s essay in the author’s note discussing the power of romance was insightful and pointed towards a deeper exploration of genre. I found myself nodding in agreement, recognizing how romance novels can mirror our desires and grant us agency. Yet, when it came to the comedic elements, I craved more audacity. The highlights of the book—especially the snippets of the book within the book—embraced a campy charm that truly shined. However, Joonie’s own story wasn’t vibrant or zany enough to match that energy.
The chemistry between Joonie and Nico was enjoyable enough, but it felt subdued against the background of the fantastic. I anticipated an electrifying contrast—between reality and her literary fantasies—but instead, their relationship unfolded in a somewhat lackluster way. Their journey together occasionally pivoted toward the mundane, missing opportunities for a more fiery exploration of that “real” love juxtaposed against Joonie’s fantastical aspirations.
Overall, Female Fantasy holds an irresistible concept brimming with fresh insights and a unique perspective on romance. If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt road trip with elements of witty self-reflection, it may just be the right read for you. This book could resonate particularly well with those who enjoy character-driven novels steeped in cultural nuances—a love letter to romance readers, indeed!
While the execution didn’t quite align with my expectations, I left with a soft smile and a hopeful heart, pondering my own fantasies—and perhaps a bit of peace and quiet might just be mine too. If you approach this story with the idea of a quirky road trip and a playful exploration of love, you may find a delightful experience waiting just around the bend.
