Tag Archives: alina bronsky
Just Call Me Superhero
Fiction
Europa Editions Incorporated
2014-10-07
240
His face disfigured after being attacked by a dog, 17-year-old Marek has a lot to come to terms with. Tricked into attending a support group for teens with disabilities, he is rude and dismissive to the other members, with one exception. An atmospheric evocation of modern Berlin, a vivid portrait of youth under pressure, and a moving story about learning to love oneself and others, Just Call Me a Superhero is destined to consolidate Alina Bronsky's reputation as one of Europe's most wryly entertaining authors.
Review:
“Just Call Me Superhero”, by Alina Bronsky, is the story of a young man named Marek, who lives in modern-day Berlin. Marek was attacked by a rottweiler, leading to facial disfigurement, and is tricked by his mother into attending a support group. This forms the basis of the story.
Make no mistake about it, Marek is far from a likable character. He is blunt, homophobic, a jerk to anyone who finds themselves unlucky enough to be in his company, and seems to have no problem with any of it. However, he is an also extremely well-developed character who shows a wonderful amount of growth by the end of the book.
The wry humor had me literally laughing out loud at times. Bronsky knows exactly when to insert sarcasm and absurdity to break mounting tension. It makes what could be an extremely depressing book an enjoyable and somewhat lighthearted one.
The only reason I gave “Just Call Me Superhero” four stars instead of five is the homophobia is very over-the-top. There is growth and resolution to it, but I believe some of the phrasing may be a result of it being a translation. As long as you keep this in mind, I recommend “Just Call Me Superhero”.
This review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher through the Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations
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