Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - Insomnia

Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough

7 reviews

greatexpectations77's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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? Yes

3.5

I thought this story was quite good, and I was really REALLY upset when Emma was getting gaslit by everyone around her. I do wish the reveal was a bit more expertly unfolded; I didn't feel like everything was really wrapped up nicely. The end did hit me hard, but I think based on how into the story I was, the ending could have been just explosive. And the whole daughter side-plot seemed maybe too much? When describing the plot to my partner, he commented that there was quite a lot going on in here, and that's the truth.

Spoiler

I also feel like if an author is going to use the kind of supernatural aspect, then it needs to be established as a possibility throughout the book. Like, the reader is looking for a realistic answer until told otherwise, so I supernatural answer doesn't feel very satisfying.

Content Warnings

meeklovestoread's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

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

4.0

I'm not gonna lie, the main reason I read this book was because the twist for "Behind Her Eyes" was spoiled for me and I thought it was the craziest twist I've ever heard about. So I decided to see if her other books were the same.

This book was pretty slow in the first half in my opinion, but it kept my intrigue enough to continue. I have to admit it did take me a while to get used to her writing style. The book was kind of like a slow burn with many leading plot elements. It was entertaining enough.

I love how we really got into the main character's head.

Spoiler

At one point I seriously thought she was going crazy. I'm so happy she left her no good unsupportive husband. He really got on my nerves. And I'm also glad she was able to gain a better relationship with her sister and finally understand her mother.

Also, the twist (many might think it's outlandish) but I really liked it. It bumped the book a 0.5 star for me.

Content Warnings

katosta8815's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Very creepy. Repetitive at times, a lot of filler sub-plots, but overall interesting and mysterious enough to want to continue.

Spoiler

There are some plot holes regarding the “family curse/gift” — there is mention of family members before Patricia having similar issues, however when the story concludes, we only get an explanation for Patricia, Emma, and Will.

Trigger warning for

Spoiler

child abuse and statutory rape (I have a big issue with the way this topic is handled in this book….)

Content Warnings