Jennette McCurdy's debut novel, "Half His Age," centers on a relationship between a 17-year-old student, Waldo, and her 40-year-old English teacher, Mr. Korgy. The novel aims to evoke discomfort by depicting repeated sexual encounters and exploring themes of female rage and the utilization of young women.
Waldo's character lacks self-worth, influenced by a negligent mother. Her attraction to Mr. Korgy is portrayed as a desire for someone unavailable and distinct from her peer group. The novel's narrative uses repeated instances of Waldo's poor treatment and her low self-perception.
The character of Mr. Korgy is depicted as a stereotype, which some assessments suggest detracts from the narrative's nuance. The frequent sex scenes are intended to alienate readers and emphasize the problematic nature of the relationship, though they consume a significant portion of the novel.
The review indicates that McCurdy's writing demonstrates strength in depicting Waldo's underdeveloped relationships with her mother and best friend, Frannie, which are considered foundational. The novel's complexity is suggested to increase towards the end as Waldo begins to acknowledge the limitations of her relationship with Korgy. The core theme is summarized by Waldo's realization that the sex represents deeper communications rather than just physical acts.