neoralisa22's review
dark
mysterious
tense
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
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Physical abuse, Dementia, and Gaslighting
muddleufflwe's review
dark
tense
slow-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
2.5
The first story in the collection (Diary of a Murderer) is probably the most worth-reading, a fascinating exploration of dementia from the perspective of a character who has it. It had made me think and understand the condition better than any other explanation or writing has managed to do- it creates an atmosphere of disconnect fitting for the subject and illustrates the internal struggles of the main character in a way that I've not seen done well often. The Origin of Life is, on the other hand, blatantly underwhelming (with a rather confusing plot), and the story of the Missing Child tries to explore it's (unique and rather interesting) premise but fails in doing it well. A disappointment considering the wealth of a story it could've been. The forth story, The Writer, is certainly an experience (for more than one reason), and an interesting think-piece. It's on par with the first story in the collection despite it's shorter length, and even if it is the grittiness that makes it fail to click with me in any way, it deals with an interesting plot revolving around a writer turned hack writer and their lack of motivation, first few pages giving a sense of depth to the character that the pervious two short stories had failed to do. My favorite part of the book overall would be An interesting collection if anything, though I was rather disappointed by the cheap 'plot-twists' that were pulled in the third short story.
Spoiler
the repeating experiences of the main character in the first book and the slight changes that are made to their character over time, such as the growing aggressiveness and paranoia that fits both with the theme of a guilty murderer and dementia patient, and the descriptor for the sudden burst of inspiration that the man gets, and the product of this inspiration. The particular segment had me even wanting for the section to be true so I would be able to read the result of the described book, but alas such a book does not exist (to my knowledge).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Dementia, Domestic abuse, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Stalking, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Blood, Car accident, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicide attempt
Lots of triggers so be cautious when reading in case you have any of those <3 stay safe
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