This is by far the best ARC I have read on NetGalley. The writing was compelling; I can't get over how beautifully written Mom's prose is -- and funny! It takes skill to marry silly ones liners wth thoughtful syntax and make it work.

Aside from the prose, I found this book to be primarily a fascinating character study on multiple themes -- racsm, love, death, and (possible?) redemption. This book may not give you answers on some tough topics, but it's not supposed to It leaves you, I hope, with more questions (What is love? What is fetishizing? When is it one and not the other? How do our choices affect others?).

This book was beautifully written and so meaningful while also being hilarious and serious and educational and eye opening. I am so sorry that the world lost this amazing author much too soon

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the e-ARC! The Fetishist has been posthumously released by Katherine Min’s daughter, telling a story of the intertwining of characters’ lives. Kyoko is plotting revenge on Daniel to avenge her mother’s death while her boyfriend Kornell follows along with her plans. With more exposure into Daniel’s backstory, we meet his ex-fiancée Alma. Navigating through the lives and connections of this cast of characters is a story heavily focused on the fetishization of Asian women. The way Min describes the anti-Asian racism and fetishization from both sides was great and honestly carried the story through some of the weaker plot points.

Thank you Putnam & NetGalley for sharing this title~ The Fetishist hilariously and poignantly seeks to both define and unravel the complexity of race and gender, particularly, the dynamics between white men and Asian women— and what desire, in all its forms, can drive forth. Told from multiple POVs over several decades, we are immersed in a daughters plot to get revenge on a man to honor her mother, the man’s past lovers and regrets, and the connection between them all. I loved the narrative style, the quick tempo, short chapters, and the way each character felt individual and full of depth. There were moments I laughed out loud, moments I was struck by the humanity. Katherine Min was a treasure, and I am grateful we are able to revel in her work in remembrance of her talent and life.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I was really intrigued by the description of this book but it was just not my cup of tea. The story was well written but just a little weird for my taste.

ahhhh too weird. hated the guy and em and em’s daughter. only alma was fun. didn’t like the start because it took too long to establish like a timeline so it was too confusing. the ending was so stupid, especially after seeing the fetishist’s grossness. the middle was mediocre with story of him and alma and em in the past.

I have some mixed feelings about this book. It is extremely successful as an exploration of relationships, racism, the fetishization of Asian woman, and marriage. The story is highly character-driven, and I had strong feelings about all of the characters (especially Daniel, whom I hated, and Alma, whom I loved). All of the relationships and characters are dynamic and realistic.

However, I feel that is fails to live up to the provided synopsis. I went into this book thinking it would be about a kidnapping, but that was the smallest part of the story. Kyoko was by far the least developed character, and I had no feelings about her, positive or otherwise. The "kidnapping" was highly uneventful and had an anticlimactic conclusion.

Overall, this book is beautifully written, and I would recommend it to someone who is looking for a character-driven drama. But if you go into it hoping for a thrilling story of revenge, you are likely going to be disappointed.

This book was thought provoking, darkly hilarious at times, and always entertaining. Switching between the three narratives flows seamlessly, and I found it to be unputdownable and rapidly intriguing.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

My summaries tend to be long-winded, especially when I'm trying to condense such lively plot into short sentences, so all I'll say is I greatly appreciate the themes this book explored and I learned so much. I've read a lot of books about the black experience because it's something I relate to and live through everyday. This was an extremely different reading experience for me because I am incredibly separated from it. Asian fetishization is something I understand in theory, can probably describe in objective terms, but will never truly experience firsthand. Reading stories like this then is imperative to inform that. It was a beautifully written and engaging way to learn how it feels, or what it looks like, to be fetishized as an asian woman. Despite this being fiction, I have no doubt the relationships here resemble ones that do exist and are harmful to asian women in real life.

Aside from theme, I sometimes felt this book was too smart for me. Who knows what Mylar is? Or what lissome beauty means? Daniel sitting in a....naugahyde recliner? You can't tell me you all knew what these were. Not a big issue to look things up obviously, but I think this is why it took me longer than usual to finish it. It’s not a book I can breeze through for that reason alone. Honestly, this problem could be reduced if the netgalley app just allowed the dictionary/search function in the app but I digress. Alternatively, there were allusions to art, language, and food, like dishes, artists and art pieces, and korean words/phrases, that built character and contextualized identity/relationships. I really enjoyed these (though I tended to skip over a lot of the music talk).

This story had awesome momentum. I was always wondering what could possibly happen next, what intimacies were going to be unveiled. Once I learned everyone's names and quirks (you'd be surprised how hard it is for me), I felt extremely close to them all. Sometimes their ignorance was hard to look at. Other times, the intense desire for revenge had me stressed. But I was always invested.

One of the devestating parts of the book that I keep going back to is this relationship between Daniel and Emi. That he hasn't been thinking about her at all despite Kyoko wanting him dead for decades. I just find that so gut wrenching0--to never be able to let go of someone, to feel a bit foolish for having thought of them so much, only for them to not care or remember you. I think that's just such an excellent lesson, one that we don't really talk about. You can ruin someone's life and forget about them. But their life is still ruined. They don't get to forget you. This murder fantasy of Kyoko's is such an inventive way to go about showing this.

I also think, for this same reason, that Daniels ‘redemption’ didn't make the most sense to me. This didn't feel like a book about forgiveness to me. I thought it was going to be quite the opposite. The book at one point even admits Daniel forgives himself, not because he deserved it, but because he needed it? As if this is not how we all experience guilt and remorse, wanting desperately to be forgiven and knowing it's not our decision? People have suffered not being forgiven for much less. Being able to admit to oneself their bad habits, their fetishization in this case, is not the same as working through, and away, from them. Without this, you just have acceptance which isn’t fair to anyone. I guess I just wanted others to hold him accountable. It felt like everyone was dancing around what it was, refusing to actually call him an asian fetishist, or they weren’t willing to talk about this pattern at all. Kyoko managed this, but quickly forgot it. Alma was the last person I expected to take his realization so lightly, especially as he would accuse her soon after of always being so opinionated. In the end, despite my reaction to this detail, the writing is amazing and realistic. Sometimes time really does heals wounds. Sometimes the shittiest people do get redemption arcs, despite only narrowly deserving them. In the same way you might hate an unreliable or evil narrator but still love the writing, I think Daniel as a character is unbearable and that unbearable-ness is very well written. The fact that I can recognize his unbearable-ness and still love how it’s written, is proof that this book had me invested in the well-being of flawed characters. Not every book can do that.

I did wish there was more emphasis on Rickey at the end. He faded away despite being their connective tissue in many ways. I was a bit unsatisfied with this because I didn’t believe that he could be so dedicated to Alma and then get very little time to shine at the end. Just because he’s a ‘smaller’ character doesn’t mean he didn’t grieve, didn’t experience loss. There were other smaller, subtler details that I think were lost as well.

The ending was another impressive part. It solidified, for me at least, that Daniel’s obsession with asian women wasn’t just an attempt at replicating what he had with Alma, but a true perversion that had a much earlier and strange origin. I say this because some of the events in the book made it feel like everything came down to Alma, that his string of lovers were some sort of replacement for HER? I’m sure Daniel would characteristically think that about himself. But it was necessary to establish that, despite loving Alma for who she was, his love for her, like all the other women, sprouted from something less romantic, less genuine (to say the least). This section was an obvious separation from the rest of the book that felt fresh and incredibly necessary.

This was such a beautiful book. I was extremely sad to find that the author is no longer with us, but I’m very glad this book is making its way into the world. It’s such a unique story and I’m so thankful I could read it!!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when starting this story, but I loved it. As an ethnically ambiguous woman, I constantly am asked about my racial identity by strangers, and I dealt with jokes about my Asian-American identity constantly growing up and still today. The switching perspectives, the time jumps, the insights that each woman (specifically) have about their jobs, love-lives, how they are perceived, and how they see themselves were incredibly honest and refreshing. Even as events happen that feel surreal and unrealistic, the emotion behind each decision and how everything plays out was entrancing. I read this book in one sitting, because I had to know what was going to happen, I needed to know more about the backgrounds of each character, and I would 100% recommend this book to other women, especially Asian women and women of color who may be able to relate to the experiences of the woman-characters in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending this ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book.

This book is so serious in an un-serious way. At its core, this book is about fetishization of Asian culture, using themes of sex, music, and suicide (content warnings be noted). There are so many elements laden with satire; the rice kings chapter is a work of high art. Despite being titled “The Fetishist”, this book still managed to be about 25% more sexually explicit than I anticipated. I would recommend this to fans of: Kurt Vonnegut, Ruth Ozeki, Mitski.
It’s so interesting reading this book, which contends with death a lot, knowing that it’s being published posthumously. Overall, I’m rating the book 3.75 stars—it’s a thrilling read, but I struggled to root for different characters at times (which, some of that is the point) and certain plot points weren’t my favorite.

The Fetishist by Katherine Min is a complex and captivating read told from the perspective of five individuals intertwined through music, love, hurt, and men, especially white men who are fetishism Asian women.

This character-driven story has themes of remorse, regret, murder, abduction, Asian fetishization, suicide, forgiveness, and love.

The way the author writes with humor and depth lets you really get into the head of the characters and know them intimately. It almost feels like you’re sitting with them in these conversations and scenarios.

I enjoyed the author's writing style. 4.5 stars. Loved this novel.

Thank @NetGalley and @putnambooks for my eARC.
#netgalley #katherinemin #thefetisist #penguinputnambooks

In The Fetishist, the posthumously published novel by Katherine Min, readers are immersed in a world of provocative storytelling, dark humor, and poignant introspection. This book captivates from the very beginning, delivering a gripping narrative that explores themes of revenge, grief, and the complex web of human relationships.

The story centers around Kyoko, a young singer grappling with an overwhelming mix of rage and sorrow over her mother's tragic death. Blaming a man named Daniel for driving her mother to her demise, Kyoko hatches a plan for revenge that spirals into unexpected territory. As she follows Daniel and sets her kidnapping plot in motion, readers are taken on a wild and unpredictable journey where nothing goes as planned.

Min's writing is exceptional, blending razor-sharp wit, savage humor, and poignant insights to create a narrative that hits hard on multiple emotional fronts. The portrayal of Kyoko is particularly striking, showcasing a complex and deeply conflicted character who struggles to channel her grief and anger. Kyoko's journey is an exploration of both revenge and redemption, allowing readers to witness her transformation and growth throughout the story.

The novel also delves into the lives of Daniel and Alma, providing a multi-layered perspective on the aftermath of Kyoko's actions. Daniel, initially portrayed as hapless, confronts the wreckage of his past and grapples with the consequences of his choices. Alma, the love of Daniel's life, questions the authenticity of their relationship and examines the nature of love itself as she faces her final days. These characters bring depth and complexity to the narrative, each grappling with their own demons and searching for answers amidst a tapestry of intertwined lives.

Min's exploration of race, femininity, complicity, and visibility adds another layer of depth to the story, making it both timely and relevant. The author's wisdom and power shine through in her insightful observations, challenging societal norms and prompting readers to question their own beliefs and values.

Despite dealing with weighty themes, The Fetishist remains an utterly moving and beautifully written novel. Min's prose is evocative, vividly painting scenes and emotions with a masterful touch. The pacing of the story is impeccable, maintaining a sense of tension and anticipation that keeps readers fully engaged.

In conclusion, The Fetishist is an extraordinary achievement that showcases Katherine Min's talent as a writer. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that navigates the complexities of revenge, grief, and human connection with grace and raw honesty. This posthumously published work serves as a testament to Min's storytelling prowess and leaves a lasting impression on readers. It is a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking and powerful literary experience.

I tried to get into this but it just wasn't my cup of tea. It's very well written, I just found the details to be kind of boring.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!!

“Once Asian, never Caucasian” This statement is at the heart of this book, which is about Asian women and the white men that are fascinated (and more) by them. Kyoko is the daughter of an Asian woman who was driven to suicide by a failed affair with a white man. It becomes Kyoko’s obsession to take revenge on her mother by kidnapping this man, Daniel, with all intention to kill him. Daniel is a famous violinist who has a fetish for Asian women. The love of his life, Alma, dropped him because of his affair with Kyoko’s mother, but she wasn’t the only one Daniel couldn’t keep his hands off. Daniel embodies the title of this book, by being the ultimate fetishist of Asian women. Will Daniel be held accountable for ruining the lives of the women he fetishizes? Or will he atone for his actions and win Alma back before it is too late?

This book is moving and sad at times, but also funny. I especially liked the part of the novel in which Daniel is held captive in Kyoko’s basement, where the pufferfish shown on the book’s cover comes into play. I also appreciated the fact that most of the main characters were accomplished musicians. Music, in particular the appreciation of classical music, is woven in throughout the book and provides a welcome dimension to the story.

I was saddened to learn that the author of this book died before its publication. She certainly was talented. I enjoyed this book and appreciated the emotions that it brought out in me. Thanks to the author’s daughter for carrying the book through to publication.

First, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to review this ARC.
4.5/5 stars, rounded up.
The Fetishist follows four different musicians—Alma, Daniel, Kyoko, and Kornell—as their personal lives intersect in surprising ways. Their interactions revolve around intimacy, love, and the often-subtle ways racism and fetish appear in our own lives… and the problems this can engender.
The pages flew by, and the prose felt clear and precise. As one can guess from the description, this book is incredibly character driven. Katherine Min did an excellent job capturing the nuances and seemingly contradictory nature of humanity. Each person remembers events and views others differently, emphasizing just how unreliable they feel. Each character possesses their own flaws—Alma’s stubbornness or Daniel’s selfishness—but they also all have potentially redeeming qualities. Thus, combined with the very real political and cultural landscape, the story gains a sense of reality often lacking in fiction, even while it presents itself as a sort of non-magical fairytale.
Personally, I am both confused and intrigued by the last chapter that follows the ending. Although we already understand that Daniel has participated in a fetish culture, this final chapter (in my mind, at least), provides a jarring, dark tone to the otherwise bright voice at the ending. It seems as if the author is reminding us that, despite the “happy ending,” the problems presented in The Fetishist persist.
Do these characters deserve redemption? Or are they only veiling bad habits they will always possess? I asked this question constantly, and I think Min seems to lean to the idea that we all have the possibility of redemption, though many fail to embrace/live up to it. The book tackles dark topics, but it also holds hope in its hands. It invites us to question our complicity in the evils that befall us and the cultural phenomenon we participate in.

I liked this book. I thought it was good but not great. There were interesting concepts the author touched on but I felt the character development of the main character was not succinct enough for me. Still would recommend!

Well written but not really a story I was interested in. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Three stars.

fast-paced, well-written, very exciting book. really enjoyed it and i look forward to more from this author

Wow, what a talented writer Katherine Min was! How lucky for us that her daughter, Kayla, put in the work to ensure her mother’s second novel gets published posthumously.

This is actually a very grim story, filled with infidelity, suicide, abduction, attempted murder, and more. It revolves around the relationships that violinist and accused Asian fetishist Daniel Karmody has created (and destroyed) over the course of his life. There is revenge, but also repentance, and it does end on an overall hopeful note.

The author had that special kind of skill to write characters that so feel genuinely real, from the ailing concert cellist Alma to the angry punk rocker and anime artist Kyoko, and everyone in between. I liked the structure of the book, as well as the style chosen for the chapter names. And such a way she had with words!

One issue I have is the blurb calling this black comedy and referencing it’s brilliant humour—I think that might be misleading, as I don’t remember anything funny about it (outside of Daniel wearing the Snugli and other QVC acquisitions stored in his prison).

This was truly good literary fiction, and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (and Kayla) for the opportunity to read this ARC.