Book Review: “Plain Bad Heroines” by Emily M. Danforth
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an affiliate, I am committed to providing you with valuable content while maintaining transparency about my affiliate partnerships. All affiliate links are accompanied by an asterisk "*".
Your support through these affiliate links helps sustain this website and allows me to continue sharing quality information and recommendations. Please rest assured that the products or services I promote through these links are ones I genuinely believe in.
Your trust and satisfaction are of utmost importance to me, and I will always strive to provide honest and unbiased reviews and recommendations. Please see my book blog's full Affiliate Policy for more details.
Thank you for your support! <3
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5 out of 5 stars
Format: Audiobook from Libby, borrowed from my local library
Can you say, "more layered than a petit four?” Because that's exactly what Emily M. Danforth's "Plain Bad Heroines” brings to the table. You get historical fiction with gothic imagery; a present-day, kitschy rom com; and a modern meta-satirical approach – all wrapped up in a pretty little queer box ready for the reader to immerse themselves in, safely from the outside world. Dive into my book review of “Plain Bad Heroines”*, below.
[Review also available on GoodReads.]
What to Know About "Plain Bad Heroines" by Emily M. Danforth
The Quick & Dirty Reading Details
Gothic Horror Comedy
Satire
Meta Fiction
Sapphic, Queer
Dark Academia
Celebrity Romance Trope
Multi-Period Novel
Feminism
Omniscient Narrator
POTENTIAL TRIGGERS: Spheksophobia, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Gore, Animal Attack, Sexual Violence, Mention of Suicide
The Plot of Emily M. Danforth’s “Plain Bad Heroines”
A beautifully sapphic novel full of lesbians and bisexuals is a queer dream for gothic and horror fans that appreciate satire. “Plain Bad Heroines” involves two timelines – one in 1902 at a northeast boarding school and another in the present day.
The modern part of the story involves a book-to-film adaptation about the happenings back in early 20th centruy; the historical part of the story kicks off because of the death of two teens at The Brookhants School for Girls and their obsession with Mary MacLane's novel*, which causes the school's headmistress and her partner to question if the book or school is cursed.
“Plain Bad Heroines" Book Review
My Thoughts
Mixing in comedic and satirical elements with horror is a huge challenge, and it doesn't matter how well it's written if the reader doesn't enjoy those elements. I think that's why many other reviewers seem to struggle with "Plain Bad Heroines", as they did with "Patricia Wants to Cuddle" – neither novel fits neatly into a clean box. Luckily, for me, that's the exact type of story that catches – and holds – my attention. Give me weird, give me complicated, just give me anything other than basic-bish, two-dimensional stories that are only published because of the latest TikTok trend.
No matter your opinion on the plot and storylines in “Plain Bad Heroines”, the novel’s incredible level of queer representation demands applause from all audience members. When I first listened to the novel back in 2022, I think the sheer number of sapphic characters across both timelines is what drew me in immediately, while the unlikability of some of the characters, like Merritt, kept me around.
As a reader, characters with challenging personality traits (coldness, rudeness, etc.) inject a level of honesty that transitions a simple tale from words on a page to a 3D story with the capacity to take over full senses. Suddenly, I can not just imagine these humans and their complicated journeys, but I can see them, hear their conversations, experience their emotions… THAT is what’s missing from so many lesbian and queer publications of late, but it’s a feat that Danforth accomplished in full.
Another huge win, in my view, for this sapphic horror novel is the use of an omnipresent narrator. Not only are they anonymous, but they also have a bit of attitude, offering some all-knowing playfulness that adds a layer of richness. It pulls the reader (or listener, in my case) into the insider realm, furthering the 3D realness of the horror story. We’re not just experiencing it; we’re now a part of the journey, making it much easier to push through the 600 pages (19+ hours) when it starts to dredge along a bit in the middle.
And it does. That’s probably my only struggle when listening to “Plain Bad Heroines” – the bit in the middle. That’s where the story builds in both timelines, we’re getting more insight into the many sapphic characters, and there’s an air of increasing creepiness as we work towards the climaxes. But, it’s slooowwww. It really drags along here, and while the information is no doubt valuable to the story, it could be cut down a bit.
On that same note, the length doesn’t quite feel so overwhelming when considering that we essentially get two novels in one. Initially, I was drawn in by the simplicity of the characters and interactions of the modern story. Harper, Audrey, and Merritt – and their push and pull dynamics – are easy to digest. At surface level, it’s giving sapphic rom-com and Hollywood idolization, but when you look deeper, it’s a satirical approach that points out the ridiculousness of fame and our cultural obsession with it.
Even deeper, I think it highlights the challenges the sapphic community faces when not only existing in a heteronormative, binary-focused society, but when asking for representation in media. The powers at be are happy to give it to us as long as it’s digestible to the male gaze; as long as it doesn’t feel threatening to men or heteronormative ideals; as long as it’s not too queer to make them money. So, how about we make it a reality show? How about we publish the novel and focus on the teenagers and not the old, wifed-up lesbians? How about we lead the cast with a charming, incredibly attractive “celesbian” that’s giving dyke but is still desirable to hetero men?
I think the novel does an incredible job at pointing out the less noticeable ways homophobia pops up in modern culture, even under the guise of “acceptance”.
spoilers ahead
In the historic storyline that starts in 1902, the homophobia and lesbiphobia challenges faced by sapphics are more straightforward. Flo and Clara always choose to meet out of sight, staying hidden in the shelter of the woods, but the yellow jackets found them still. After the deaths of the teens, the adult sapphics in the timeline – Libbie and Alex – are forced to deal with society’s lack of acceptance, with Libbie having entered into a strategic lavender marriage with a gay man to protect them both, but madness – and yellow jackets – ensue.
The yellow jacket symbolism runs throughout. While it’s very effective horror imagery, it also serves as a reminder to the reader – whether then or today, homophobia is only a buzz away.
Opting for the audiobook did result in me missing out on some incredible illustrations as well as some funny and clever footnotes. However, it had the added benefit of Xe Sands’ extraordinary narrator performance. Even if you've read the novel, I suggest giving it a listen as Xe's playful, tongue-in-cheek approach offers another captivating layer to the story. I admit, I think I unapologetically laughed out loud on a cramped Delta flight to Denver.
But, all in all, I can’t get enough of “Plain Bad Heroines”. It’s a hell of a novel, and we’re lucky to have it.
Would I Recommend: Absolutely
Would I Re-Read: Yes – I've listened twice, will read a physical copy soon
Buy “Plain Bad Heroines" by Emily M. Danforth
[This is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase using the link, I earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. Such support helps cover the operational costs of my book blog and allows me to continue my passion project. Thank you for your support!]
Bookshop.org: Buy “Plain Bad Heroines” on Bookshop.org to support independent bookstores. Shop here*.
Follow For More Sapphic Book Reviews
Like what you see (or read)? Then come be my friend! I'd love to create a community of like-minded readers who love murder mysteries, thrillers, and horror, especially with — or centered around — sapphic characters. I’d love to hear what you think about “Plain Bad Heroines”! It seems to be another polarizing sapphic novel; people either love or hate it — which one are you?
Follow my book blog:
🖤 Thanks -Tiff
