The Eyes are the Best Part

Pros

• Strong social commentary on racism, misogyny, and the fetishization of Asian women
• Compelling portrayal of a main character's slow psychological breakdown
• Generally considered a quick and accessible read
• Praised as an impressive and unique debut novel

Cons

• Pacing is frequently criticized as being too slow or boring, especially in the first half
• Writing style is described by some as feeling amateurish or similar to Young Adult (YA) fiction
• Antagonists and side characters can feel flat or like 'cartoonish' caricatures
• Some readers felt the horror and cannibalism elements were under-delivered compared to the book's premise

Caveats

• The story is a psychological character study rather than a high-action slasher or splatterpunk novel
• The 'slow burn' approach means the payoff may not arrive until very late in the book

Best for

• Readers who enjoy 'unhinged' female protagonists
• Fans of social horror and themes of female rage
• Those looking for a horror novel with a focus on Asian-American experiences

Avoid if

• You prefer fast-paced, action-heavy horror
• You are sensitive to themes of racism and family trauma
• You dislike 'slow burn' narratives where little happens for the first half of the book