elliemcc11's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first novel I had read by Alice Hoffman and judging by the blurbs for her other books it will probably be the only one. I'm not too keen on books based on fantasy and magical happenings.
This book was enjoyable enough. Plotting the story of a perfect husband who's past catches up with him and proves he isn't quite as perfect after all. Due to the crime he committed his young son goes off the rails and doesn't want to know and his wife is disgusted, especially after meeting the victim's family. The book was a bit too soap opera-ey for me, bit to far fetched. The characters were interesting enough but haven't stayed with me after reading the book.
This book was enjoyable enough. Plotting the story of a perfect husband who's past catches up with him and proves he isn't quite as perfect after all. Due to the crime he committed his young son goes off the rails and doesn't want to know and his wife is disgusted, especially after meeting the victim's family. The book was a bit too soap opera-ey for me, bit to far fetched. The characters were interesting enough but haven't stayed with me after reading the book.
aparisoriginal's review against another edition
2.0
My least favorite of Alice Hoffman's canon. It lacks all of the magical realism I've come to love and expect from her. For a female writer who writes dynamic, interesting and/or strong female characters, the female lead in Blue Diary was none of those things. I didn't hate it, but I have read and re-read many of Hoffman's books, and this one I struggled to get through the first time.
dutchtineke's review against another edition
3.0
A nice enough book, but the ending felt unfinished and I had expected it to be much more thriller-like.
rj42's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Aside from her young adult fiction, Alice Hoffman is also one of the best modern chroniclers of the contradictions and complications of small town American life. Blue Diary is darker than most of her work but it radiates her trademark humanity and insight and the thriller-like aspects of its plot make it even more compelling. The central character is Ethan Ford, a seemingly perfect father, husband and volunteer firefighter who it transpires may have murdered a young girl years before. We follow his family, friends and, ultimately, the entire town as their lives unravel, sides are chosen and emotions are shattered. Hoffman's descriptive powers are a delight, but ultimately it is the characters' emotions, reactions and frailties that are so believable and authentic.
calli's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brennasjohnson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
kittykatzach's review against another edition
5.0
Complex and emotionally challenging, I couldn't put this book down. Excellent novel.