edinareads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Rape
jakobmarleymommy's review against another edition
1.0
This book was absolutely horrible. I'm not sure what the worst part was; the terrible character development, the sloppy flip-flopping between the 1920's and the current time, or the absolutely ridiculous plotline.
The sex scenes in this book were just down-right gross. They added absolutely nothing to the plot, and went on far longer than was necessary.
The fact that Madeline's friends accepted so easily that she was being "mind-controlled" and had the ability to do the same was beyond stupid. They barely questioned her at all.
I realize that this was Rhodi Hawk's first book, and it read like one. Frequent descriptions of things that did nothing to further the plot or set the scene, awkward dialouge and plotlines that didn't blend together made this a difficult book to get through. I kept waiting for it to get better, and it only got worse.
The sex scenes in this book were just down-right gross. They added absolutely nothing to the plot, and went on far longer than was necessary.
The fact that Madeline's friends accepted so easily that she was being "mind-controlled" and had the ability to do the same was beyond stupid. They barely questioned her at all.
I realize that this was Rhodi Hawk's first book, and it read like one. Frequent descriptions of things that did nothing to further the plot or set the scene, awkward dialouge and plotlines that didn't blend together made this a difficult book to get through. I kept waiting for it to get better, and it only got worse.
jodiesackettbrown's review
3.0
This is an interesting look into Louisiana cajun culture in some respects and into mental health issues in other respects. Although schizophrenia is mentioned often, really this book serves as a reminder that we don't really know a whole lot about mental health or the disease of schizophrenia.
Hawk's description of the bramble and thorns that comprise the consciousness is artful and intriguing. These excursions into the depths of consciousness also provided some interesting and unexpected twists and turns.
One thing that bothered me consistently throughout the novel is that the "reasons" or motivations behind Chloe's behavior are not satisfactorily addressed, at least not for me, as they were too simplistic. The background story of Chloe's family origins and forward momentum didn't link together seamlessly, but provided an interesting glimpse into historical issues surrounding intercultural relationships and a bit of the politics of the Louisiana floodlands and levee systems.
Overall, I get the feeling Hawk was setting us up for a sequel, and although I would like to read a sequel, I'm not sure I think one is necessary.
Hawk's description of the bramble and thorns that comprise the consciousness is artful and intriguing. These excursions into the depths of consciousness also provided some interesting and unexpected twists and turns.
One thing that bothered me consistently throughout the novel is that the "reasons" or motivations behind Chloe's behavior are not satisfactorily addressed, at least not for me, as they were too simplistic. The background story of Chloe's family origins and forward momentum didn't link together seamlessly, but provided an interesting glimpse into historical issues surrounding intercultural relationships and a bit of the politics of the Louisiana floodlands and levee systems.
Overall, I get the feeling Hawk was setting us up for a sequel, and although I would like to read a sequel, I'm not sure I think one is necessary.
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