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writings_of_a_reader's review
2.0
After reading The Girl Upstairs, I really wanted to try another book by this author. As I said in my review for that book, I liked the way the author was able to write characters that, in the beginning weren't very likable, but then grew into likable characters that I understood. While that book had a main character who was reclusive, this one had a main character who was obsessed with a coworker. I liked that this author writes these types of flawed characters, but in this case it didn't work for me, and the main reason it didn't work for me was because there was no growth. I just wanted Lizzie to realize some things about herself and make a change, but Lizzie was never strong enough to really be her own person, and that was sad.
I also felt like this book was more predictable. I figured out what had happened and why well before the end, and speaking of the end, that was a terrible ending! I disliked who she ended up with in the end, and I didn't like that certain things were swept under the rug. Despite disliking this book, I'll probably still read the other book on my to-read list by this author.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader and on Facebook.
I also felt like this book was more predictable. I figured out what had happened and why well before the end, and speaking of the end, that was a terrible ending! I disliked who she ended up with in the end, and I didn't like that certain things were swept under the rug. Despite disliking this book, I'll probably still read the other book on my to-read list by this author.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader and on Facebook.
phdee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
litwithleigh's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
3 stars does not mean this is a bad book. Please do not be dissuaded by the star rating alone.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
THE PLOT
Lizzie is in love with Dean, but Dean is in love with Rebecca. And when Rebecca goes missing, Lizzie's love for Dean is tested.
MY OPINION
Let me preface this by saying I've never read a novel by Georgina Lees before, so when I speak about her writing skills, it's only with this book in mind. This is a rare situation where I felt like Lees showed she can write her cheeks off, but the content itself was too on the safe side. GEORGINA IF YOU'RE LISTENING I, an irrelevant reader, would love to see you write a character-driven contemporary fiction with a lil side of mystery. You've got da skills girl, don't settle for mainstream thriller content.
Tbh, I felt like this book was sorta rebelling on itself. The writing itself elicited many emotions for me: dread, wtf-ism, lil nervous, etc... but just as Lees was peeling back the layers on this formulaic story, it crammed itself back into the mould.
I loved how Lees painted a picture (hehe... if you read the book this will make sense) of a deranged mother. Oftentimes I read books and I'm like, I need the mom's POV to understand what's going on in her mind. But despite this book being narrated only by Lizzie, I didn't feel like I was missing any of the puzzle pieces with mother dearest. She was brazy, and her actions made sense in context of her character.
I didn't like who Lizzie ended up with. FK that guy lol. As usual, I was ready to fight all male characters involved!!!! So your gf is missing yet you're out here macking on two diff girls??? Good. Bye. My other complaint is Lizzie's obsession with Dean was TEW much at times. I felt like she was a 16-year-old bemoaning her schoolyard crush, not a fully grown adult. The scene where she eats the old donut Dean gave her whilst crying... oh honey. BUT yet, knowing how her mother behaves, Lizzie's obsession also tracks.
FREE LIZZIE!!!!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: solid writing, easy to follow storyline, made me feel tings
Cons: content was too shallow for writer's abilities
3 stars does not mean this is a bad book. Please do not be dissuaded by the star rating alone.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
THE PLOT
Lizzie is in love with Dean, but Dean is in love with Rebecca. And when Rebecca goes missing, Lizzie's love for Dean is tested.
MY OPINION
Let me preface this by saying I've never read a novel by Georgina Lees before, so when I speak about her writing skills, it's only with this book in mind. This is a rare situation where I felt like Lees showed she can write her cheeks off, but the content itself was too on the safe side. GEORGINA IF YOU'RE LISTENING I, an irrelevant reader, would love to see you write a character-driven contemporary fiction with a lil side of mystery. You've got da skills girl, don't settle for mainstream thriller content.
Tbh, I felt like this book was sorta rebelling on itself. The writing itself elicited many emotions for me: dread, wtf-ism, lil nervous, etc... but just as Lees was peeling back the layers on this formulaic story, it crammed itself back into the mould.
I loved how Lees painted a picture (hehe... if you read the book this will make sense) of a deranged mother. Oftentimes I read books and I'm like, I need the mom's POV to understand what's going on in her mind. But despite this book being narrated only by Lizzie, I didn't feel like I was missing any of the puzzle pieces with mother dearest. She was brazy, and her actions made sense in context of her character.
I didn't like who Lizzie ended up with. FK that guy lol. As usual, I was ready to fight all male characters involved!!!! So your gf is missing yet you're out here macking on two diff girls??? Good. Bye. My other complaint is Lizzie's obsession with Dean was TEW much at times. I felt like she was a 16-year-old bemoaning her schoolyard crush, not a fully grown adult. The scene where she eats the old donut Dean gave her whilst crying... oh honey. BUT yet, knowing how her mother behaves, Lizzie's obsession also tracks.
FREE LIZZIE!!!!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: solid writing, easy to follow storyline, made me feel tings
Cons: content was too shallow for writer's abilities
izziek's review against another edition
4.0
Anything to make your kid, happy, right?! what a twist!!
suhaamina's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
3.25
kateness1's review against another edition
3.0
I felt no connection to any of the characters. Besides Sheila, which is odd since she’s not a main character. I finally felt interested in Lizzie’s character about 80% into the book. The book itself started sooo slow. It took way too long to get to the main plot points and by the time the important stuff happened I had considered DNF’ing 4 times. I got weird vibes from the mom from the beginning but I’ll say I wasn’t sure who the culprit was. The vibes I got from Lizzie were depressing, and pathetic. She acted and thought like a teen girl. “You kissed her?” Oh grow up. I will say, Marie’s character was entertaining. She was a mess but at least she told Lizzie to stand up for herself and that she should want more in life. Again, Lizzie was too pathetic and depressing to do anything with her life. Hence, mommy dearest felt compelled to step in and take action since Lizzie obviously never would.