Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons delves into the raw, unfiltered experience of motherhood through the eyes of a hyper-sexual, bisexual narrator. The book's exploration of the loneliness and chaos inherent in motherhood draws parallels to much contemporary women’s literature. However, despite its intriguing themes and moments of engaging prose, the novel ultimately falls short in several critical areas.

The novel's stream-of-consciousness writing style is both its strength and its downfall. While it effectively captures the protagonist's chaotic inner world, the constant shift between real-time interactions with her daughter and flashbacks to her past creates a disjointed narrative. This back-and-forth pacing can be jarring, making it difficult for the reader to stay engaged with the storyline. The long, uninterrupted chapters exacerbate this issue, contributing to a sense of narrative whiplash that detracts from the overall reading experience.

Another significant aspect that impacts the book's appeal is the portrayal of the narrator's bisexuality. The hyper-sexual depiction of the protagonist feeds into harmful stereotypes, reducing her sexuality to mere behavior rather than a multifaceted aspect of her identity. This approach not only feels voyeuristic but also undermines the complexity and depth that could have been explored in her character. The narrator's constant objectification of others adds to the discomfort, making it difficult to connect with her on a deeper level.

Character development in We Were the Universe is another area where the novel struggles. The narrator's actions and attitudes often feel inconsistent and underdeveloped. For example, her insistence on being a stay-at-home mom is contradicted by her resentment toward her husband's life outside the home. This inconsistency, combined with the lack of substantial growth or insight into her character, leaves the reader feeling disconnected and uninvested in her journey.

Despite these critiques, there are moments in the novel that shine. Parsons' ability to articulate the existential void of motherhood and the feral nature of the protagonist's desires offers a raw, unfiltered look at the complexities of modern womanhood. These glimpses of brilliance, however, are overshadowed by the chaotic structure and stereotypical representation that dominate the narrative.

Ultimately, We Were the Universe is a novel with potential that is hindered by its execution. The stream-of-consciousness style, while evocative, becomes tiresome and disorienting. The stereotypical portrayal of bisexuality and the inconsistent character development further detract from the book's impact. At 23% of the way through, it became clear that this book would not surpass a three-star rating for me, leading to my decision to stop reading.

For readers who enjoy deeply introspective and chaotic narratives, We Were the Universe might still hold appeal. However, those looking for a more coherent plot and nuanced character exploration may find themselves similarly disappointed.