TL;DR
In the utopian community of Lucille, violence and monsters are believed to be relics of the past. Jam, a transgender teen, has grown up with this comforting belief. However, her world is shattered when a creature emerges from one of her mother’s paintings, claiming there is a monster lurking in their midst. With the adults refusing to believe in the possibility of present-day monsters, Jam and her best friend Redemption embark on a dangerous quest to hunt the monster and protect their community, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew about their seemingly perfect world.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Author & Writing Background
Akwaeke Emezi is a Nigerian novelist and video artist known for their evocative and thought-provoking works exploring themes of identity, gender, race, and belonging. Their debut novel, “Freshwater,” received critical acclaim and established them as a powerful voice in contemporary literature. Emezi’s writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, its exploration of complex emotions, and its bold engagement with social and political issues.
Key Takeaways
The Illusion of Utopia
The novel explores the concept of a seemingly perfect society that is ultimately built on a foundation of denial and suppression. Lucille, the utopian community, has erased its violent past and refuses to acknowledge the possibility of present-day monsters, creating a false sense of security.
Confronting Hidden Monsters
Pet, the creature from the painting, embodies the embodiment of suppressed trauma and violence that continues to haunt the community. Jam and Redemption’s quest to hunt the monster becomes a metaphor for confronting the hidden darkness within ourselves and society.
The Power of Belief
The adults’ refusal to believe in the existence of the monster highlights the danger of complacency and the importance of questioning authority. Jam and Redemption’s unwavering belief in Pet’s message empowers them to take action and challenge the status quo.
Trans Identity and Self-Acceptance
Jam’s experience as a transgender teenager is woven into the narrative, exploring themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and navigating a world that often seeks to define and categorize individuals.
The Importance of Friendship and Solidarity
Jam and Redemption’s deep bond of friendship is a central theme, highlighting the power of support and collaboration in the face of adversity. They rely on each other for strength and courage as they navigate the challenges of their quest.
The Complexity of Good and Evil
The novel challenges simplistic notions of good and evil, suggesting that darkness can exist even in seemingly idyllic settings and that individuals are capable of both harm and healing.
The Responsibility to Speak Out
Jam and Redemption’s decision to confront the monster emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice and taking action to protect the vulnerable, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Healing and Transformation
The novel explores the possibility of healing from trauma and creating a more just future. By confronting the monster and acknowledging the darkness of the past, the community has the potential to begin a process of transformation.
FAQ about Pet
Pet Quotes
- “How can you say there are no monsters when you haven’t looked under the bed?”
- “Just because you don’t see something doesn’t mean it’s not there,”
- “Sometimes, the people who love you the most are the ones who hurt you the worst.”