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lugh101's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
bookworm2212's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Some of it was well written and grabbed me, but a lot felt superfluous and didn't elicit the emotions in me I felt it was supposed to. I can see why somebody would like it though, so perhaps it was just me!
toofondofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a brilliant read – so intense and claustrophobic but impossible to put down! The novel follows Rachel, mum to Mia and also teacher to her peers so when Mia’s friend Lily goes missing Rachel becomes increasingly obsessed with what might have happened. I read this book in the garden on a very hot day and it really added to the tension emanating from the pages I was reading. There are shocks in store in the novel but there is also a blending of what is actually happening and what is imagined to be happening, which gives the book a dreamlike feel. I got completely swept up in this and had no idea how it would all play out in the end. I definitely recommend this one!
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com
lucykae's review
dark
slow-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
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
lostinthepages20's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
claire_b's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thelibraryofimagination's review against another edition
3.0
A girl goes missing and everyone thinks the worst has happened. But, what if she chose to leave?
Rachel is baffled why Lily would disappear. She contemplates the situation. Her daughter, Mia, isn’t coping with the loss of her friend very well. But is that all there is?
This story was interesting. However, I disliked the main character Rachel and found the story lacking a certain substance. I especially did not like being submitted to Rachel’s internal dialogue and found myself skimming her wild fantasies.
The writing is very descriptive but I felt that the focus of the descriptions could have been placed elsewhere. Spending that much time in a character’s mind is a bit torturous, especially if you dislike the character.
However, I like the interesting take on Lily’s disappearance. I like how she depicted Mia’s teenage struggles and the mother-daughter relationship. And I liked the overall premise of the story. I just wish it had a better ending.
I imagine Hazel will do very well once she polishes her writing style and I will keep her in my radar.
Thanks go to the author and The Pigeonhole for sharing this story with me in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel is baffled why Lily would disappear. She contemplates the situation. Her daughter, Mia, isn’t coping with the loss of her friend very well. But is that all there is?
This story was interesting. However, I disliked the main character Rachel and found the story lacking a certain substance. I especially did not like being submitted to Rachel’s internal dialogue and found myself skimming her wild fantasies.
The writing is very descriptive but I felt that the focus of the descriptions could have been placed elsewhere. Spending that much time in a character’s mind is a bit torturous, especially if you dislike the character.
However, I like the interesting take on Lily’s disappearance. I like how she depicted Mia’s teenage struggles and the mother-daughter relationship. And I liked the overall premise of the story. I just wish it had a better ending.
I imagine Hazel will do very well once she polishes her writing style and I will keep her in my radar.
Thanks go to the author and The Pigeonhole for sharing this story with me in exchange for an honest review.
lexmcgnns's review
2.0
2.5 stars for the lovely prose.
A novel jam-packed with potential that it sadly never reached. Not my cup of tea.
A novel jam-packed with potential that it sadly never reached. Not my cup of tea.
diamondhope's review against another edition
3.0
A very easy read that I finished on a 3 hour flight. Also love the plot twist.
lilybren's review against another edition
3.0
claustrophobic portrayal of motherhood. felt like i needed to stand outside and breathe some air after i finished it. ending was disappointing - felt like the author got bored and stopped writing