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kaneebli's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Suicide, and Gaslighting
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Animal cruelty
chasingpages1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Medical content, Dementia, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, and Alcohol
kukucoconails's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.25
I really liked the way that the father’s book was used as a framing devise for the plot and as a lens to the past. Gothic is one of my favorite genres of horror so the spooky ghost parts were fun. I enjoyed the MC’s reactions to them as well as the juxtaposition of her father’s experience.
I didn’t really like the main character in the beginning of the story. They had a bit of an abrasive personality for me because of the huge chip on her shoulder. However, as the story developed and I got a glimpse into the MC’s thoughts and feelings behind the book and how it impacted her life, I understood how she became that way. I actually ended up liking her more than I anticipated at the end as her character worked through her trauma.
The other characters didn’t really leave an impact on me and the twist at the end was ok. The pacing started going at blinding speed in the last few chapters and I feel like the twist didn’t have as much impact as it could have had.
One thing I really did not like was the snake hate. I understand why snakes are used in horror. People are scared of them. And this species specifically was likely used for their coloring. However, I really dislike when media perpetuates the fear of snakes. Especially harmless ones like those in this novel. I also don’t like descriptions of them (or any animal) getting hurt, so I got upset during a few scenes.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys gothic horror or mysteries.
Graphic: Animal death and Child death
Moderate: Animal cruelty