Persona
by Aoife Josie Clements
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A feral shut-in discovers a disturbing internet porn video of what seems to be herself. A seance of coked-up artists summons unearthly forces in a studio apartment. The staircase of an exurban marketing company descends endlessly beneath the earth.In Aoife Josie Clements’ electric, nightmarish, intricately layered novel, the impossibility of goodness crowds in upon two young trans women barely surviving on sex work and zero-hours contracts. Below the familiar evils of capitalism and the bottomless depths of internet culture, a darker horror awaits. What curse follows these women? What are they escaping? What are they running towards? The book’s conclusion feels well-aligned with the journey that precedes it. Rather than offering an abrupt or exaggerated ending, it provides a resolution that reflects the themes and character development established earlier. This thoughtful closure enhances overall satisfaction. The writing style remains consistent in its emphasis on readability and flow. Paragraphs transition smoothly, making it easy to follow the progression of ideas. This clarity supports sustained engagement across the entire book.