A Resounding Voice: A Review of Leila Mottley’s “The Girls Who Grew Big”
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Leila Mottley’s debut novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, arrives with the weight of expectation and delivers a powerful, if at times unsettling, exploration of girlhood, survival, and the insidious nature of exploitation. Mottley, a former National Youth Poet Laureate, imbues her prose with a lyrical quality that elevates the harsh realities faced by her young protagonists, crafting a narrative that is both devastating and beautifully rendered.
The Narrative Unveiled
The story centers on Kiara, a fifteen-year-old living in Oakland, California, who becomes the reluctant caretaker of her younger brother and ailing father after her mother abandons them. When the family faces eviction, Kiara is drawn into the murky world of sex work, a decision that soon ensnares her and her friend, Alé, in a system that preys on their vulnerability. Mottley unflinchingly depicts the physical and emotional toll this life takes, but she does so with a profound sense of empathy, never sensationalizing the trauma but rather highlighting the complex motivations and desperate circumstances that lead her characters down this path.
Compelling Characters and Poetic Prose
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its character development. Kiara is a deeply compelling protagonist, resilient yet achingly young, forced to make impossible choices. Her voice, infused with a raw honesty and poetic observation, carries the narrative forward. Alé, too, is rendered with nuance, her initial bravado slowly giving way to the crushing weight of their shared reality. The relationships between the girls, particularly Kiara and Alé’s friendship, form the emotional core of the book, showcasing the enduring power of solidarity in the face of immense adversity.
Mottley’s writing is consistently breathtaking. She possesses an extraordinary ability to evoke atmosphere and emotion through vivid imagery and evocative language. The streets of Oakland become a character in themselves, a backdrop of both desperation and unexpected moments of beauty. Her poetic sensibility shines through in her descriptions, transforming grim realities into moments of stark artistic expression.
A Challenging Yet Vital Read
However, the novel is not without its challenges. The subject matter is inherently difficult, and Mottley does not shy away from the brutality and degradation inherent in the girls’ experiences. This can make for an intense and at times uncomfortable read. While the lyrical prose often softens the edges, some readers may find the relentless portrayal of their circumstances to be emotionally taxing. Additionally, while the ending offers a glimmer of hope, it is a hard-won one, reflecting the enduring scars left by their journey.
The Girls Who Grew Big is a vital and urgent novel that demands to be read. It sheds light on the often-unseen struggles of marginalized youth, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about societal failures and the resilience of the human spirit. Leila Mottley has crafted a powerful and unforgettable debut that marks her as a significant new voice in contemporary literature. It is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, prompting reflection and fostering a deeper understanding of the complex realities faced by young women on the fringes.
About The Author
