Reviews

Bookworm: A Novel by Robin Yeatman, Robin Yeatman

bakerisreading's review against another edition

3.0

Definitely dark. Not sure I laughed much. But, it was creative, unexpected and leaves you wondering what happens next.

fictionandfungi's review against another edition

5.0

Victoria is a housewife, a masseuse, an avid reader. Mostly though, those in Victoria's life have given value to Victoria because she is Eric's wife. Eric, who hates every bodily function Victoria has. Eric, with his puffy nipples. Eric, who turns his nose up at Victoria's love of books, preferring instead to get lost in TV dramas. Eric, who is making Victoria miserable. Eric, who, plausibly, could accidentally die soon. Not that Victoria is manifesting anything of the sort. It's just something that could happen.

Bookworm is one of the best debuts I have read in ages. I felt like I was personally being targeted as Victoria read some of my favorite unhinged fiction, taking more characteristics from these characters as the book went on. Victoria was a diverse reader, and the specificity of her reading habits made her all the more real to me. I loved the way Yeatman was able to weave levels of self-awareness into the book even as Victoria lacked it so often. The ending caught me so completely off guard, and I loved it. For me, personally, Bookworm has the added value that I could read it again and again. I can not wait to read future work by Yeatman, and to force everyone in my life to read this as soon as I can grab a physical copy for myself.

Thanks so much to Harper Perennial as well as NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eGalley of this book in exchange for my honest review.

lily_t_h's review against another edition

Put me in a weird mood; character is depressed, first person narration 

readerpete1's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

artsyandbookishme's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

carlatemis's review against another edition

dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-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

3.5

amaziejka's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

infairveronaa's review against another edition

dark 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

3.5

Slow build up to a pretty perfect ending. Maybe a tad too much people watching sections. But I'l  accept also slightly necessary. Love all the different "accidental" death scenario. Victoria's mentality is almost american psycho-lite in a way especially more towards the end.

itsmejennigee's review against another edition

Main character is someone who creates drama and over exaggerates everything in her head for purposely settling into a life arranged by overbearing, controlling parents marrying her off in a 50s-style marriage to a demeaning and belittling husband. 

eerieehobbit's review against another edition

dark funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75