I’m a Fan

by Sheena Patel

Patel’s first-person narrative puts you immediately in the head of a woman obsessed with the nameless “man I want to be with” and the nameless “woman I am obsessed with” who is sleeping with him. It’s an intriguing premise and the writing is concise, crisp and contemporary, also delivering a sharp commentary on social media, politics, privilege, class and the subtle, pervading racism of the western world. But halfway through the book I grew tired of reading the unerringly obsessive thoughts, driving unhealthy actions. There is no backstory or character arc, just the same pace and voice that continues to the end. In my view, a years-long, all-consuming obsession is only truly interesting to the person who is all-consumingly obsessed.