Julie Murphy's book Dumplin' is a journey of a girl learning to love herself. It is about self-acceptance and introspection. The novel was published in September 2015. It would be great for those who are going through this acceptance and self-discovery phase. So let's dive in!
A short resume :
Willowdean or Dumplin' is a 16 year old girl living her best life not giving a damn about what people think of her body. She never let the shape of her body bother her until she bumped into Bo Larson, her coworker (she had a HUGE crush on him). But his presence makes her doubt herself like never... Her insecurities pop up. Finally, Dumplin decides to enter a beauty pageant to prove to everyone that she is beautiful the way she is!
Spoiler FREE review :
Disclaimer ! Well, I would like to start by saying that it is my first time reviewing a book I have mixed feelings about.
THE CONS: I am a bit disappointed because the storyline is weak. I felt like nothing CRAZY happened because I was expecting some twists and turns. The story couldn't keep me on board. All I was waiting for was the ending.
Plus, the character is very critical and selfish towards others: "Her eyes are too close together and her nose pinches up at the end." said Willowdean. I felt like she was too insecure and I acknowledged it but nothing gives her the right to judge others, right? It was my biggest turn-off... It makes no difference between her and the people who judge her! I just couldn’t connect with her... Such a waste!
THE PROS: "Perfection is nothing more than a phantom shadow we're all chasing" - Willowdean
Crédit : Warda
Besides all this, the story in general gave me positive vibes! Willowdean is sassy, and she never lets anyone bring her down. And this is the kind of energy that kept me reading. But she doubted herself a lot too.
"I've wasted a lot of time in my life. I've thought too much about what people will say or what they're gonna think."
Throughout the book, Willowdean undergoes a slow personal development, I'd say. She was so immersed in her insecurities all along the book that I felt like living in her body, I could foresee her mind. Her thoughts, her emotions are so realistic!
Then I also loved the connection she had with her aunt Lucy. Even though she was not with her, we got to see what kind of person she was through Willowdean’s thoughts and how even in her absence, her words encouraged and reassured her.
After all, although I didn't appreciate certain things about it, I would like to add that it had quite an impact on how I look at myself. The choice of words is pretty good. Her insecurities are very well described and are relatable. That is what impressed me!
“Beautiful, he says. Fat I think. But can’t I be both at the same time?”- Willowdean
So, the final message is To Be Kind to Yourself, Be Delicate with Your Body. You were meant to stand out. We are all Unique and SO BEAUTIFUL!
It is up to you if you want to read it or not. You can also watch it on Netflix (if you are lazy :).
The link to the trailer is here: https://youtu.be/X_eWszpO_7s
The main thread towards the book is Dolly Parton who made Willowdean’s journey easier. She is the music, linking Willowdean to her dead aunt Lucy. If you want to know about Dolly Parton go and check the article written by Enzo !
Warda.