mint9's review against another edition
4.0
Wow this book gave me chill's.
After I read this book i wanted to have a lie tree in my house
After I read this book i wanted to have a lie tree in my house
anne_florence's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I do not and will never understand why so many people rate this book so positively.
Firstly, the plot took nearly 200 pages to get the the main point (the murder mystery). Also, Faith (the main character) is so insufferable. I couldn't find one page where she wasn't complaining, and knowing what some people had to go through during the Victorian period (my family), her complaints mean nothing. Her privilege is so prevalent, and it infuriates me.
Secondly, it seems that every single character in the book hates Faith as well; not just me (apart from her brother but it's not like he has much choice). If you're going to write a character who you intend to be likeable, it might be telling you something if none of the characters in the book like her.
Finally, this book is 'feminist' however it fails to understand that in the time period she is writing in, women are going to act differently to how they did today, and shouldn't be judged for it. I'm sick of seeing the trope in historical fiction where in order for a female character to exist and be liked by the reader, they have to have the views we hold in the present. If a woman in the 1800s acts differently and more submissively towards the men in her life, you shouldn't look down on her for not speaking up, but rather blame the world she lives in.
In conclusion, Faith is annoying and is one of the most insufferable protagonists I have ever read in a book. If I didn't have to read this for school, I would have put it down after 10 pages, because it was so BORING! I was never interested in the plot because I couldn't see past Faith's whinging drivel.
Firstly, the plot took nearly 200 pages to get the the main point (the murder mystery). Also, Faith (the main character) is so insufferable. I couldn't find one page where she wasn't complaining, and knowing what some people had to go through during the Victorian period (my family), her complaints mean nothing. Her privilege is so prevalent, and it infuriates me.
Secondly, it seems that every single character in the book hates Faith as well; not just me (apart from her brother but it's not like he has much choice). If you're going to write a character who you intend to be likeable, it might be telling you something if none of the characters in the book like her.
Finally, this book is 'feminist' however it fails to understand that in the time period she is writing in, women are going to act differently to how they did today, and shouldn't be judged for it. I'm sick of seeing the trope in historical fiction where in order for a female character to exist and be liked by the reader, they have to have the views we hold in the present. If a woman in the 1800s acts differently and more submissively towards the men in her life, you shouldn't look down on her for not speaking up, but rather blame the world she lives in.
In conclusion, Faith is annoying and is one of the most insufferable protagonists I have ever read in a book. If I didn't have to read this for school, I would have put it down after 10 pages, because it was so BORING! I was never interested in the plot because I couldn't see past Faith's whinging drivel.
natcommon's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. I'm sad it took me so long to read it. I got it the year it won the 2015 Costa Book Award and 6 years is too long to wait to read it. It is a historical fiction and magical realism mix. I enjoyed the characters, the writing style, the idea of the Lie Tree, and the mystery. It reminded me of The Cold is in Her Bones by Peternelle van Arsdale, but I enjoyed the story better in this one and the pacing.
Highly recommend to those who like a little bit of strangeness in their books.
Highly recommend to those who like a little bit of strangeness in their books.
roseybot's review against another edition
5.0
I have a hard time doing reviews of books I love. Basically I just want everyone to read this. I felt about this book the way I felt about Uprooted. There is just so much good and it draws you in so much, it's absolutely great. GO READ IT NOW!
orionoconnell's review against another edition
4.0
A unique story that takes just a little while to get into, and then you're hard pressed to put it down.
A book about a 15 year old girl who is willing to risk everything after her father's death to find out the truth, even a lie.
Minor complaints include the general notes of misogyny for the time period (1800s). This was a thrilling mystery that leaves me wondering where the idea for the novel came from. Well done.
A book about a 15 year old girl who is willing to risk everything after her father's death to find out the truth, even a lie.
Minor complaints include the general notes of misogyny for the time period (1800s). This was a thrilling mystery that leaves me wondering where the idea for the novel came from. Well done.
peachykeenebooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- 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
3.25
amys_booknook's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
skyblue212's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I put this book away for a long time, but it was actually pretty good! The plot of a scientific revolution and the aftermath, but it was freashening. The message of girls can do anything is really strong, but in a good way. I really liked the main character and her investigation, but
Spoiler
my favourite part still was the tree, and the lies that started out as little controllable thing, but at the end they became dangerous. Just as she became more and more uncontrollable, at some places even nearing psychosis.moss_and_mushies's review against another edition
5.0
A really good engaging story with unexpected twists and turns.
decafplease's review against another edition
5.0
I can't believe I forgot to add this book to my shelf.
Anyway.
The atmosphere conjured is uncanny and disorienting. You enter into the obsession of others and lose sight of your search for truth. Step by step, walking the heroine's path, you realise you are getting further and further away from the lines that keep you safe. There is something not human wearing the guise of a human, and something human yet appears inhuman. And there is the tree that produces the fruit, and the fruit that is meant to be eaten. One bite is all it takes to bring you to enlightenment. Have one more and then you experience despair. Another one after that you become a slave to a hunger you did not know you had. In the end, you are always hungry.
Anyway.
The atmosphere conjured is uncanny and disorienting. You enter into the obsession of others and lose sight of your search for truth. Step by step, walking the heroine's path, you realise you are getting further and further away from the lines that keep you safe. There is something not human wearing the guise of a human, and something human yet appears inhuman. And there is the tree that produces the fruit, and the fruit that is meant to be eaten. One bite is all it takes to bring you to enlightenment. Have one more and then you experience despair. Another one after that you become a slave to a hunger you did not know you had. In the end, you are always hungry.