argrenier's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
pagesofpins's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written story about how your life is affected by others' perceptions of you. I can't say I enjoyed most of the book, though--it's stark and dispairing to the end.
myasmth's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
emelynreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? Yes
4.0
Listen to the audiobook for Icelandic names, places and transcripts! The narrator brought to life the loneliness and depression in the main character. I originally wanted to read this book for it's Icelandic setting and the writing did not disappoint! This makes for a good winter time read/listen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
k2harper's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
susanatherly's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a slow burn. It is based on true events in Iceland and very well done but the pacing may be hard for folks used to murder mysteries that move at a faster pace. The settings are spare and bleak. The lives of everyone in the book are hard and difficult. There is an air of melancholy through the whole thing. That said, the language is beautiful, the characters vivid and it manages to never drown in its melancholy. Apparently it is going to be made into a movie with Jennifer Lawrence but I somehow imagine the book will be better than any film.
cat55's review against another edition
5.0
The author encapsulated the feeling of Iceland so well. The urgent way the characters had to act in summer to prepare for winter. They desolation of winter and the frigid environment. The struggles of living on barren farm land. The harsh winds coming from the sea. Every place Agnes lived was so beautifully described I could picture myself there.
The mystery and reveal were so well unravelled and paced that I could enjoy every detail of the book. I loved the characters. Agnes was terrific and smart and human. I loved her outlook on life and determination even though she suffered so much.
The last chapters were so heartbreaking
The mystery and reveal were so well unravelled and paced that I could enjoy every detail of the book. I loved the characters. Agnes was terrific and smart and human. I loved her outlook on life and determination even though she suffered so much.
The last chapters were so heartbreaking
avtoxo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5