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anvh_01's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Finished with the first novel, now on my way to the second. Surprised me how crude and cruel it was, damn.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, and Gaslighting
amylloyd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-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
It was exactly what I expected it to be, but often much more. I admire the way Aubyn brought these characters to life, be it in the most deplorable of ways. It’s consistently challenging and sometimes in stasis. However, I saw this as creating room for much more in the following novels in the series. There is undeniable potential. I must check out ‘Bad News’ to know what direction it all goes.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Incest, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Classism
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
Minor: Ableism and Animal cruelty
frasersimons's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
All of these people are varying degrees of bad. From slightly narcissistic to irredeemable and vile. However, the strange, almost Pushing Daisies-esk quality to the narration. Spinning a yarn, but it’s biting and unwilling to let the characters off the hook. Which is good, considering what happens to Patrick Melrose in this book at the age of 5.
It won’t be for everyone. It’s traumatic, and looks to be teeing up Patrick’s future in a way that probably examines the trauma cycle. This is particular to my interests and the voice and prose is really well done, so it was for me, but I can see why probably most people wouldn’t be interested in it. I think it will only be more interesting when it moved past his childhood. We’ll see what happens.
It won’t be for everyone. It’s traumatic, and looks to be teeing up Patrick’s future in a way that probably examines the trauma cycle. This is particular to my interests and the voice and prose is really well done, so it was for me, but I can see why probably most people wouldn’t be interested in it. I think it will only be more interesting when it moved past his childhood. We’ll see what happens.
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
n_t_sh_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-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
3.75
David Melrose is a sadist character comparable to Nurse Ratchet.
Staged over one day, this is a multi-layered character exploration that is interesting but with no likeable character, I find it hard to connect.
Along with the sadistic, dark undercurrent it has a biting, dry sense of humour. It causes a bark of laughter but it's a laugh tinged with bitterness and not enjoyable.
Staged over one day, this is a multi-layered character exploration that is interesting but with no likeable character, I find it hard to connect.
Along with the sadistic, dark undercurrent it has a biting, dry sense of humour. It causes a bark of laughter but it's a laugh tinged with bitterness and not enjoyable.
Graphic: Child abuse and Sexual assault
Moderate: Addiction
gorgeousgirl's review against another edition
dark
fast-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? Yes
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
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