aelunny's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
If you aren't used to books written a while ago, I wouldn't recommend this book for you. If I read this book before I really got into reading I probably would have DNF'd it.
I really enjoyed how this book provided a show, don't tell slate that leaves a lot of commentary on the status of women during WWII. I feel like Sanxay Holding did a great job at balancing succint good writing while also providing so many moments Lucia and other characters experience that all contribute to themes of the book. Once I got over my urge to think about what I'd do in her situation, I felt boxed in (I guess you could say hitting that 'blank wall') with Lucia, Sybil, and Bee with their own respective walls that consume them.
I really enjoyed how this book provided a show, don't tell slate that leaves a lot of commentary on the status of women during WWII. I feel like Sanxay Holding did a great job at balancing succint good writing while also providing so many moments Lucia and other characters experience that all contribute to themes of the book. Once I got over my urge to think about what I'd do in her situation, I felt boxed in (I guess you could say hitting that 'blank wall') with Lucia, Sybil, and Bee with their own respective walls that consume them.
ohnoflora's review against another edition
3.0
The plot is really neither here nor there but what I most liked about this book was the depiction of the ground-down drudgery of a housewife (married too young) in WWII, trying to cope somehow, trying to feed her family somehow, trying to balance their needs and expectations while also maintaining a respectable, calm front. How does she do it? Only Sylvia knows...
we_are_all_mad_here26's review against another edition
4.0
Basically: mothers don't get nearly enough credit.
Persephone #2 (for me - for Persephone it's actually #42).
Persephone #2 (for me - for Persephone it's actually #42).
wendoxford's review against another edition
4.0
1940s US crime. Adored the family scene - mother in charge whilst father is away at war. Her children and father have rather staid and puritanical expectations of her whilst she embroils herself in two murders and black marketeering whilst externally worrying about food/petrol rationing and which frock to wear. Why have I never heard of this writer before?
wanderlustsleeping's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars
Just unremarkable in every way. I'm sure the author was trying to make some kind of point with the meek housekeeper, but it was just too boring for me to care.
Just unremarkable in every way. I'm sure the author was trying to make some kind of point with the meek housekeeper, but it was just too boring for me to care.
clarajohanna's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
kimtee83's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a fairly straightforward murder mystery. But, instead of finding out who the murderer is, you find out whether or not they get away with it. Overall, I felt bad for Lucia. She seemed tormented by her family.
martinamarier's review against another edition
3.75
i actually really liked this!!! first "femme fatale" book i've read for class that i've genuinely enjoyed.... i wonder why?? 🤔
corianne's review against another edition
5.0
Picked up this book in the Persephone Bookshop in London. They publish lots of older, forgotten fiction, especially women writers. I can only urge you to take a look when you encounter one of their grey books - they have a great selection.
The Blank Wall is a very intriguing noir thriller, published in the late 40s originally. It was very well written and un-put-downable. Won't go into the story, you'll have to read for yourself ;) that's is all I'll say!
The Blank Wall is a very intriguing noir thriller, published in the late 40s originally. It was very well written and un-put-downable. Won't go into the story, you'll have to read for yourself ;) that's is all I'll say!