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frostyreads's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i must admit that my opinion fluctuated a lot whilst reading this novel. at first, i was vaguely interested in the plot, but the characters were so unlikeable that i couldn’t connect to them in a way that i value in a book.
however, as the story developed and unfolded, i started to appreciate the beauty of constance’s raw and unapologetic flaws. i couldn’t help but laugh, cry, grieve and scream in frustration alongside her. and her friendship with edward was definitely the light that filtered through her struggles, and allowed the reader a well needed break from the heavy topics that are addressed. the ending left me awe-struck, and it will definitely be a hard one to forget.
i must admit that my opinion fluctuated a lot whilst reading this novel. at first, i was vaguely interested in the plot, but the characters were so unlikeable that i couldn’t connect to them in a way that i value in a book.
however, as the story developed and unfolded, i started to appreciate the beauty of constance’s raw and unapologetic flaws. i couldn’t help but laugh, cry, grieve and scream in frustration alongside her. and her friendship with edward was definitely the light that filtered through her struggles, and allowed the reader a well needed break from the heavy topics that are addressed. the ending left me awe-struck, and it will definitely be a hard one to forget.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Death of parent
Minor: Misogyny and Vomit
liseyp's review
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A dark tale of obsession. This is a fantastic thriller from the perspective of a female stalker and fantasist. The real skill in the writing is how the author builds up sympathy for the main character Constance, so that even as her behaviour becomes more extreme you can see the sources of it and feel for her.
At the same time the parallel, where Constance is in a relationship with a flatmate who displays the same stalker tendencies about Constance as she does, is fascinating. Without the insights into Dale’s character it’s easier to be objectively angered by his behaviour, but the reality is he is no worse than Constance, and indeed has far greater grounds for his actions and his jealousy than Constance does. We just don’t have the same empathy for him.
A gripping story with a well delivered build-up and ending.
At the same time the parallel, where Constance is in a relationship with a flatmate who displays the same stalker tendencies about Constance as she does, is fascinating. Without the insights into Dale’s character it’s easier to be objectively angered by his behaviour, but the reality is he is no worse than Constance, and indeed has far greater grounds for his actions and his jealousy than Constance does. We just don’t have the same empathy for him.
A gripping story with a well delivered build-up and ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Suicide
Minor: Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, and Medical content