Bhanu Kapil

First of all I would like to comment on Bhanu's unique writing style. She used a jumble of assorted childhood memories, and disturbing imagery from her hitch hiking adventure. It was arranged in a non-linear pattern which is supposed to make it seem more realistic. While I would agree that this style did make it more realistic, I personally feel as though it greatly subtracted from my enjoyment of the book. Part of the reason I enjoy reading is that there is usually a linear plot, with a problem, a somewhat concise solution, and a feeling of closure. This book offered me none of those.
Bhanu did use some graphic symbolism with very good effect. I enjoyed her frequent mention of the color red present in her environment. Many times it was in a beautiful scene, or one of horror. The symbolism of cyborgs and monsters intrigued me at first, however as the story progressed, I felt as though I had less of an understanding as to what they actually were. I racked my brain with possibilities and none made any particular sense. I hoped by the time I finsihed I would have figured out what they were, however I think I actually knew less.