Book Review | Come and Get, Kiley Reid
This review captures the complexity of Reid’s exploration of privilege and power within the confined space of a university dormitory. Reid’s sharp character dynamics and attention to the small but significant moments create a compelling narrative. The novel’s examination of human relationships makes it both engaging and thought-provoking.
Kiley Reid’s Come and Get It is a sharp, character-driven novel set in a 2017 University of Arkansas dormitory. The story follows Millie Cousins, a senior resident assistant (RA), as she navigates her relationships with both students and faculty, particularly Agatha Paul, a visiting professor. Through tense interactions and small misunderstandings, Reid examines the complex dynamics of power, privilege, and social class. This Come and Get It book review delves into the novel’s characters, its exploration of everyday tensions, and its larger message about the consequences of small actions.
A Complex Web of Characters
The novel’s strength lies in its intricate character interactions. Reid presents a variety of personalities who clash and connect in unpredictable ways. Millie, as the protagonist, embodies the hard-working, no-nonsense RA who takes her job seriously. Agatha, on the other hand, is a more aloof figure, visiting the dorm to gather material for her next book. Their relationship is the focal point of the novel, but the supporting characters add layers of tension and complexity.
Key characters include:
- Kennedy: A transfer student with a privileged background who doesn’t get along with her roommates.
- Colette: Another RA who doesn’t take her duties seriously, leaving Millie frustrated.
- Robin: Agatha’s dancer ex-girlfriend, whose past entangles with the present.
These characters contribute to the overarching tension that fuels the novel’s plot, highlighting how misunderstandings and subtle conflicts can escalate into larger issues.
Power Dynamics and Privilege
Throughout Come and Get It, Reid explores how power and privilege shape the interactions between characters. Millie and Agatha, though friendly, are from different worlds. Millie is focused on saving money and maintaining a stable future, while Agatha, with her wealth and academic success, has the luxury of experimenting with her next project. This contrast is a significant driver of tension in the story.
Emphasizing this imbalance, Agatha writes a problematic piece about Millie. At one point, Reid illustrates Agatha’s skewed perspective with the line:
“Agatha’s columns always made it seem like she was an expert on things she didn’t understand.”
This moment reflects the larger theme of privilege — Agatha’s sense of superiority blinds her to the real struggles of people like Millie.
The novel uses these personal interactions to comment on societal structures of privilege. Reid makes it clear that even seemingly insignificant power imbalances can have lasting effects on those involved.
Tension in Everyday Moments
What makes Come and Get It especially engaging is how Reid builds tension out of seemingly mundane moments. Dorm life, with its shared spaces and conflicting personalities, is an ideal setting for exploring minor irritations that snowball into larger conflicts. Reid excels at showing how small moments — an offhand comment, a prank, or a forgotten task — can gradually build into something far more significant.
In one scene, Millie notices how her co-RA Colette has been neglecting her duties, which frustrates her:
“Colette could turn off the hotline ringer without a second thought, but Millie felt the weight of every call.”
This simple observation reflects a deeper issue: Millie feels the burden of responsibility, while others seem indifferent. The tension between the characters, especially the dorm residents, captures how small actions can reflect broader power dynamics and interpersonal conflict.
Reid’s ability to transform ordinary moments into high-stakes emotional exchanges is what keeps the novel engaging from beginning to end.
A Climax Fueled by Misunderstandings
As the novel progresses, the seemingly insignificant events in the dormitory accumulate, leading to a dramatic climax. Misunderstandings between the characters, especially between Millie and Agatha, take center stage. What begins as minor gossip and pranks soon spirals into life-altering consequences. Reid’s ability to show how each character’s choices ripple through the dormitory community is one of the novel’s strengths.
Key takeaways from the novel include:
- The consequences of privilege: Agatha’s wealth and status allow her to act with impunity, while Millie bears the consequences.
- The power of small actions: Seemingly minor interactions, such as roommate disputes or neglected responsibilities, can have significant consequences.
- The messiness of human relationships: Reid illustrates how misunderstandings and personal biases shape our interactions.
Reid’s writing is sharp, with a tone that keeps readers intrigued by the emotional complexities of her characters. The genre-skipping book’s climax leaves readers reflecting on how these everyday moments build toward larger revelations.
Conclusion: A Juicy and Sharp Character Study
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid is a compelling exploration of social class, privilege, and the tensions that arise in everyday life. Through the lens of a dormitory, Reid paints a picture of characters whose lives intersect in messy, unexpected ways. This Come and Get It book review highlights Reid’s skill in turning small moments into significant plot points, building a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With sharp dialogue and a keen understanding of human dynamics, Reid offers readers a juicy, character-driven novel that explores the consequences of seemingly insignificant actions.
