emily_mh's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I felt pretty ambivalently about the art style from the first page, which ended up being how I felt about the book as a whole. Not much happened for most of the book, and then the resolution of the conflict was rushed so quickly. I also felt like Wendell and Marjorie's relationship needed more development. In terms of characterisation, I really liked Wendell, but Marjorie was kind of like a wet napkin, and I didn't like the one-dimensional bully character trope. However, even though the execution was shaky in places, I did like the premise and the setting, and the world-building surrounding ghosts, enough to give this 3 stars and want to seek out the sequel.
Spoiler
Also, where was the apology from Marjorie's dad for literally neglecting her after her mum's death? Poor girl was running a household AND a business while going to MIDDLE school? Furthermore, some character development was like BAM this is how they are now, instead of showing a progression from Point A to Point B. I.e., Marjorie's dad is suddenly not depressed by the end of the book, and Wendell and Majorie are suddenly capable of swimming in the lake.Moderate: Child abuse, Bullying, Death of parent, and Child death
Minor: Murder, Gore, Violence, Body horror, Mental illness, Alcoholism, Ableism, and Misogyny
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