A Deep Dive into “She Used to Be Nice” by Alexia LaFata

Alexia LaFata’s debut novel, “She Used to Be Nice,” plunges readers into the raw aftermath of sexual assault, exploring the devastating ripple effects on a young woman’s life. The story centers on Avery, a college student whose life is irrevocably altered one night when she is raped. The assault not only robs her of her sense of safety but also leads to a painful ostracization from her peers and her long-term boyfriend, who falsely believe she was unfaithful. A year later, Avery is still grappling with the trauma, unable to voice the truth for fear of further alienating her sole remaining friend, Morgan. This inability to speak, to reclaim her narrative, shapes Avery’s existence as she navigates a fractured reality, seeking solace and perhaps a path towards healing.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

“She Used to Be Nice” is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that tackles a difficult subject with sensitivity and unflinching honesty. My feelings about this book are complex, marked by a profound sense of empathy for Avery’s plight and a deep appreciation for LaFata’s courageous exploration of trauma. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page, prompting introspection and a deeper understanding of the pervasive impact of sexual violence. While the subject matter is heavy, the novel is not without its moments of quiet strength and the enduring human capacity for resilience.

Writing Style and Character Development

LaFata’s writing style is characterized by its lyrical quality and its ability to evoke visceral emotions. She employs a style that feels both intimate and expansive, allowing readers to intimately connect with Avery’s internal world. The prose is often evocative, painting vivid pictures of Avery’s fragmented mental state and the oppressive weight of her trauma.

Avery’s character development is central to the novel’s success. LaFata portrays her with a profound sense of realism, showcasing her vulnerability, her internal struggles, and her desperate attempts to reclaim some semblance of normalcy. We witness her grappling with guilt, shame, and the suffocating silence that has become her companion. While the narrative focuses heavily on Avery’s internal journey, supporting characters like Morgan are also sketched with enough depth to feel authentic, highlighting the complexities of relationships fractured by trauma and misunderstanding.

Literary Themes and Motifs

Several significant literary themes and motifs weave through “She Used to Be Nice.” The most prominent is the silencing of victims and the devastating consequences of not being believed or understood. The motif of shattered trust is also palpable, not only in Avery’s relationships but in her own self-trust. The novel also explores the theme of memory and its fragmentation under duress, as Avery’s recollections are colored by the trauma. The idea of reclaiming one’s narrative is a powerful undercurrent, as Avery implicitly fights to regain control over her own story, even if she cannot yet articulate it.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of “She Used to Be Nice” is deliberate, mirroring Avery’s own slow and arduous journey through grief and recovery. There are moments that might feel slow to readers accustomed to faster-paced narratives, but these periods are essential for delving into Avery’s internal landscape. The structure effectively utilizes flashbacks and present-day reflections to build a comprehensive picture of Avery’s experience, allowing us to understand the profound impact of the assault on her present life. While there were no sections I found confusing, the emotional intensity at times can make for a challenging but rewarding read.

Language and Imagery

Alexia LaFata’s use of language is a significant strength of the novel. She possesses a gift for crafting evocative imagery that lingers in the mind. For instance, descriptions of Avery’s isolation and the emotional weight she carries are rendered with a poetic sensibility.

While specific memorable quotes would require a deeper analysis of the text, the overall impression is one of language used to convey profound emotional states. LaFata’s ability to articulate the nuances of trauma – the disassociation, the hypervigilance, the pervasive sense of unreality – is particularly striking.

Emotional Impact

The emotional impact of “She Used to Be Nice” is profound. The novel evokes a wide range of emotions, including deep empathy, sorrow, anger, and ultimately, a sense of hopeful resilience. Avery’s journey is heart-wrenching, and readers will undoubtedly feel the weight of her pain. There are moments that are particularly moving, such as Avery’s internal reflections on the life she lost and the friendships she yearns to salvage. The novel also provokes deep thought about the societal structures that often fail survivors of sexual assault and the immense courage it takes to survive and, perhaps, to heal.

Themes and Messages

The author appears to be conveying a powerful message about the long-lasting and multifaceted impact of sexual assault, particularly on a young woman’s identity, relationships, and psychological well-being. LaFata succeeds in illustrating that trauma is not a singular event but a continuous force that shapes an individual’s present and future. The novel implicitly advocates for empathy, understanding, and the crucial importance of creating safe spaces for victims to speak their truth without fear of judgment or disbelief.

The social and cultural commentary present in the book is subtle but significant. It highlights the societal tendency to doubt or victim-blame, particularly when a survivor cannot immediately articulate their experience or when it disrupts pre-existing social dynamics. The way Avery’s boyfriend and friends react underscores the societal discomfort with discussing and confronting sexual violence.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Profound Emotional Resonance: The novel excels at capturing the emotional turmoil of a survivor.
  • Realistic Portrayal of Trauma: LaFata handles the sensitive subject matter with a commendable degree of realism and respect.
  • Evocative Prose: The writing style is beautiful and impactful.
  • Strong Character Arc (Avery): Avery’s journey, though difficult, is compelling.

Weaknesses:

  • The deliberate pacing, while fitting the subject, might be too slow for some readers.
  • The focus on Avery’s internal struggles, while necessary, might leave some wanting more external plot development.

Comparisons and Recommendations

“She Used to Be Nice” draws parallels with novels like “Sweetbitter” in its exploration of a young woman’s formative experiences and the complexities of navigating adult relationships, and “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” in its examination of self-imposed isolation as a coping mechanism, though LaFata’s approach feels more grounded in external societal pressures and less on an almost surreal internal decision. For fans of Alexia LaFata’s other works, this debut offers a compelling glimpse into her thematic concerns and writing prowess.

I would recommend “She Used to Be Nice” to readers who appreciate character-driven literary fiction that delves into difficult but important subjects. Those interested in exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and the aftermath of sexual assault will find this novel particularly rewarding. It is a book for those who are willing to engage with emotionally challenging content and who value nuanced storytelling.

Overall Impression and Rating

“She Used to Be Nice” is a powerful and important debut novel that bravely confronts the lingering effects of sexual violence. Alexia LaFata’s skillful prose and empathetic portrayal of her protagonist create a deeply affecting reading experience. While the subject matter is undoubtedly heavy, the novel ultimately offers a testament to the enduring spirit and the slow, arduous path toward reclaiming one’s life.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This novel is a significant contribution to the literature of trauma and survival, offering a raw and honest look at a reality many face. It is a book that demands to be read, to be felt, and to be discussed.

Where to Get It

  • Free eBooks Download: My Ebook
  • Kindle Edition: Available on Amazon.
  • Apple Books: Available on the Apple Books store.
  • Kobo: Available on Kobo.