elle_loves_reading's review
5.0
This was my first Nicci French book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I listened to the audio book via Borrow Box and I was very impressed with the narrator too. I just loved the introduction, it got me interested instantly! I will be reading/listening to more of her books in the future. I already have a few on my 'to be read' shelf
superperfundo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
raych_bee's review
2.0
Maybe it was because I had the unfortunate pleasure of reading two of Gillian Flynn's books at the beginning of summer, or maybe it was something else. Gillian Flynn has given me impossibly high expectations for every mystery/thriller I pick up, so maybe my "it was okay" rating is a bit harsh. But, really, The Land of the Living was okay. I found myself addicted to the mystery and I went along with most of the character's decisions, but all in all I found it a bit frustrating. I don't consider this a spoiler considering it is written on the inside flap, but the fact that the authorities do not do more to aid in Abbie's recovery and case drives me crazy. It ate at me throughout the entire book, even the parts that I enjoyed. You're telling me that NO ONE is going to take this seriously? Other than this huge oversight (it essentially drives the rest of the plot), I enjoyed the thrill and panic of it all. Abbie is smart, cautious, and driven and I will probably give Nicci French another try.
evadis's review against another edition
2.0
Kort gezegd: sterk begin, saai middendeel en vreemd einde.
maeva_xena's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
trisha76's review against another edition
Het boekje dat ik had was een voorpublicatie. Was voor mij niet duidelijk te zien totdat ik het boekje op pagina 96 uit had. Het was even dik als een boekengeschenk, dus daar was ik vanuit gegaan.
Daarom het boek op Did Not Finish.
Wel al 3 sterren want het hield me wel vast. Dus nu maar zoeken naar her volledige boek.
Daarom het boek op Did Not Finish.
Wel al 3 sterren want het hield me wel vast. Dus nu maar zoeken naar her volledige boek.
renila's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
diana_blackmoon's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book and I got on the wrong foot from the start.
After some basic setting, there is a scene where a character goes to the psychologist. It is heavily implied that if she did not she would be protected by police due to her claims of a harmful person existing somewhere. Now, why would that be you ask? Because the psychologist/psychiatrist looks at her medical history and finds out she was taking antidepressants in college. This fact is very heavy-handed and the main character is accused of lying and fantasising. I understand it was a plot device for the book to work but I was not too fond of it. I continued the book when a similar thing happened again. No one reports a person missing because she used to have depressive episodes and sometimes she withdrew from the world. When someone tried to report her missing the police it didn't work either.
By now I was really annoyed about those two elements and felt like maybe it should have more commentary on how harming is to view mental illness like this. Instead, the only person that got scolded in the end was a policeman that had no specialist knowledge and believed the verdict of a professional. The psychiatrist is never confronted. Never mentioned again.
I was surprised that the book was published in 2003.
After some basic setting, there is a scene where a character goes to the psychologist. It is heavily implied that if she did not she would be protected by police due to her claims of a harmful person existing somewhere. Now, why would that be you ask? Because the psychologist/psychiatrist looks at her medical history and finds out she was taking antidepressants in college. This fact is very heavy-handed and the main character is accused of lying and fantasising. I understand it was a plot device for the book to work but I was not too fond of it. I continued the book when a similar thing happened again. No one reports a person missing because she used to have depressive episodes and sometimes she withdrew from the world. When someone tried to report her missing the police it didn't work either.
By now I was really annoyed about those two elements and felt like maybe it should have more commentary on how harming is to view mental illness like this. Instead, the only person that got scolded in the end was a policeman that had no specialist knowledge and believed the verdict of a professional. The psychiatrist is never confronted. Never mentioned again.
I was surprised that the book was published in 2003.
veronique5199's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0