The Subtweet

I loved this book! This book centers on two Indian women living in Canada. Neela is a recording artist who writes her own music while Rukmini is a cover artist. They become friends when Rukmini covers one of Neela’s songs. Rukmini’s version is more popular and she gains more success. The friendship is strong but Neela doesn’t understand Rukimi’s success and Rukimi is not confident in her talent. The friendship suffers with one bad tweet that wasn’t meant to cause as much damage as it did. The book really shows the power of social media – good or bad – and how quickly it is. The author also discusses racial issues throughout the book. Mainly in terms of how much easier it would have been for Meeks and other brown girls to find success of they were white or pandered to the white audience. I really loved the ending. I had in my head what I wanted, but what the author wrote is so much better!

I love this book so much. I feel like it could have all played out in real life. It was such a blast.

(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)

I was initially drawn to The Subtweet for its promise of diversity, but what ended up hooking me was its thoughtful discussion about social media and the music industry. In these ages of digital influencing, social media, activism, and speaking out, The Subtweet examines the intersection of fame, music, and activism. It opened up spaces in my mind for me to think about the nature of a subtweet. What does it mean for me and for what do I use a subtweet? Is it an act of a subtle call out? Passive aggression? The Subtweet asks these questions and more by examining our two POC characters relationships with culture.

What is original art nowadays with remixes, cover songs, and even song sampling? The Subtweet brings theses issues to the surface and allows readers to witness how they play out for Neela and Rukmini. Their relationships to each other, fame, and their art. Friendships are complex before you add cooperation and fame to the mix. There are moments of jealousy and support all wrapped into one. We wonder if our reactions become subtweets – all without the presence of the internet. Are we just engaged in performance without substance?

I cant remember the last time I read a book that was so much about female friendships without being at all about romance. Perhaps never. This novel consists mainly of conversations between women about the creative process, along with commentary on social media and tokenism.

This book had a really interesting concept. It was an interesting exploration of jealousy in female friendships. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, though.

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