ravensalwaysreading's review against another edition
I would liven up my life by eating my husband too if I was as boring as our mc.
audiobook_addict's review against another edition
1.0
I'm not done with this book yet, but it's definitely an interesting one. It was recommended to me by a patron early this month, andI have to say, they were right. It's a dark twisted novel but you can't put it down, you keep reading just to see where Ms Young is going with it. I'm beginning to like it in all its twisted quirkiness. I'm sure I'll have more to say on it when I finish it, but, if this is a debut, what else does she have in store. I'm betting Natalie Young is going to be one to watch over time.
In cleaning up my goodreads, I noticed I haven't updated a few. But, I did finish this twisted ride and I have to say, even now, as I look back on finishing it, it still sticks with you long after that last page is read. I finished it last year and still can remember it as vividly as the first time reading it and it's definitely not for the feint of heart, or not for those that can't handle a little dark every once in a while. It's definitely one that will give you a ride on a seat on the crazy train for sure, but it's a trip you have to see to the end just to see where she might go with it. I want to see what else she may write or has written just so I can see what else she's capable of creating. This was an amazing first novel and as my patron put it "you won't ever forget it." That's the definite truth. Grab a copy if you want something a bit off the beaten path, albeit that dark path you might want to carry a flashlight down. And hope the blasted thing stays on. Enjoy yall, and happy reading.
In cleaning up my goodreads, I noticed I haven't updated a few. But, I did finish this twisted ride and I have to say, even now, as I look back on finishing it, it still sticks with you long after that last page is read. I finished it last year and still can remember it as vividly as the first time reading it and it's definitely not for the feint of heart, or not for those that can't handle a little dark every once in a while. It's definitely one that will give you a ride on a seat on the crazy train for sure, but it's a trip you have to see to the end just to see where she might go with it. I want to see what else she may write or has written just so I can see what else she's capable of creating. This was an amazing first novel and as my patron put it "you won't ever forget it." That's the definite truth. Grab a copy if you want something a bit off the beaten path, albeit that dark path you might want to carry a flashlight down. And hope the blasted thing stays on. Enjoy yall, and happy reading.
menniemenace's review against another edition
2.0
This book has a great premise, weird, but great still.
The execution was not good. A book about cannibalism should never be boring. A cook book about cannibalism sounds like an amazing thriller, yet it was not.
The execution was not good. A book about cannibalism should never be boring. A cook book about cannibalism sounds like an amazing thriller, yet it was not.
tomcolter97's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It started off really impactful and was difficult to read. The writing style was abit jarring at first but I soon got used to it. With each body part it talks about the flaws in the relationship of the protagonist and victim. I enjoyed the majority of the book. However, towards the end it was abit boring and didn’t really have a climax
sexiilikeacow's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting concept, poor execution. I love to cook just as much as Lizzie Prain but this was just strange. I found the tips on how to cook certain parts fascinating, but the story lacked any kind of structure and I found myself lost several times. I did however find the cover to be beautiful.
I was sent this book through a GoodReads giveaway.
I was sent this book through a GoodReads giveaway.
bubblytoes's review against another edition
3.0
This feels like a slow burner. It's the type of text an A-level class might scratch their pencils across in a comparative piece. However, I wanted a little more and I can't put my finger on what that more was. I found the vivid descriptions of the preparation really stomach churning and I'm not all that squeamish.
mayarelmahdy's review against another edition
2.0
This book has a great premise, weird, but great still.
The execution was not good. A book about cannibalism should never be boring. A cook book about cannibalism sounds like an amazing thriller, yet it was not.
The execution was not good. A book about cannibalism should never be boring. A cook book about cannibalism sounds like an amazing thriller, yet it was not.
morgo1203's review against another edition
2.0
Meh?
I really wanted to enjoy this book, it seemed like an interesting and dark premise. But it was just 280 pages of... bland, I guess. None of the characters are particularly sympathetic OR characters that you love to hate. Everyone was written in a way that just made you not care a single iota about what happens to any of them. So many of the character inclusions make no sense at all. Joanna, the grandfather, even Tom... all just pointless inclusions that do not a lot for the storyline. I’m glad I finished this in 3 days because I honestly wouldn’t want to spend any more time on it. I pushed through hoping for a satisfying ending, but unfortunately didn’t get one.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, it seemed like an interesting and dark premise. But it was just 280 pages of... bland, I guess. None of the characters are particularly sympathetic OR characters that you love to hate. Everyone was written in a way that just made you not care a single iota about what happens to any of them. So many of the character inclusions make no sense at all. Joanna, the grandfather, even Tom... all just pointless inclusions that do not a lot for the storyline. I’m glad I finished this in 3 days because I honestly wouldn’t want to spend any more time on it. I pushed through hoping for a satisfying ending, but unfortunately didn’t get one.
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
3.0
Three and a half stars from me. A big thank you to the lovely people at Book Bridgr and Tinder Press/Headline for allowing me to read this very dark and unique novel. The title kind of says it all so no spoilers there! In short, it is about a fifty-something woman called Lizzie Prain whom after thirty years of marriage decides to take a shovel to her husband's head. The only problem now is, what to do with the body? Ah, yes the obvious solution - eat it. In this way, the power in the relationship which often lay on her husband's side could be taken back and she could regain control over her life. Her husband's sudden disappearance may pose certain questions, but if she pretends that he has run off with another woman, everything should be perfect. What Lizzie doesn't realise is how difficult eating her husband will be so she writes a list of notes to help her along the way. For example ideas for various dishes using the human meat, reminders of how awful her marriage had become, positive reinforcements and advice to herself should the police come knocking. For example:
81. Your husband's will now be in your mouth and oesophagus, your gullet, stomach and intestines.
82. If you have managed to go to the loo yet, he will have also come out already as waste.
83. Look at the poo.
Hopefully, this gives you a good idea about how grim this novel actually is. And this is one of the tamer quotes! As Lizzie continues to eat her husband piece by piece, organ by organ (yes, even the eyeball gets a "look" in!) she focuses on her end-goal. This is to escape to Scotland and start a new life where no one knows her or that she ever had a husband at all. However a problem arises in the form of Tom who works at the local garden centre and almost instantly befriends Lizzie. His grandfather is a bit suspicious about where Lizzie's husband has disappeared to and on top of that her new friend Tom actually wants to come into her house and sit in the kitchen. With bags of a dismembered body hanging around? That could be a tricky one.The question is, will Lizzie succeed in her mission and escape to Scotland? Or will somebody find out what has happened and bring her to justice?
I found this novel absolutely fascinating and at the same time, incredibly disgusting. I think it has to be the darkest thing I have ever read and although I'm not a squeamish type at all I found myself wincing and feeling nauseated at particular moments. The "hand," dinner was probably the worst for me but there is certainly grimness to be found on almost each page. Did I enjoy it? For the most part, I have to say I did. It felt like a very unique read and I did enjoy the numbered lists that Lizzie made for herself. As to a motive for killing her husband, there isn't really one I don't think - perhaps a temporary moment of insanity would explain things a bit better. Although, perhaps the author isn't trying to give Lizzie a motive, maybe she suggests that we never know what we may be capable of? This is a dark and very gory read so definitely NOT for those of a nervous or delicate disposition! Personally, it kept me intrigued right through to the end and I'm quite excited to see what this author does next.
Please see my full review at http://www.bibliobeth.com
81. Your husband's will now be in your mouth and oesophagus, your gullet, stomach and intestines.
82. If you have managed to go to the loo yet, he will have also come out already as waste.
83. Look at the poo.
Hopefully, this gives you a good idea about how grim this novel actually is. And this is one of the tamer quotes! As Lizzie continues to eat her husband piece by piece, organ by organ (yes, even the eyeball gets a "look" in!) she focuses on her end-goal. This is to escape to Scotland and start a new life where no one knows her or that she ever had a husband at all. However a problem arises in the form of Tom who works at the local garden centre and almost instantly befriends Lizzie. His grandfather is a bit suspicious about where Lizzie's husband has disappeared to and on top of that her new friend Tom actually wants to come into her house and sit in the kitchen. With bags of a dismembered body hanging around? That could be a tricky one.The question is, will Lizzie succeed in her mission and escape to Scotland? Or will somebody find out what has happened and bring her to justice?
I found this novel absolutely fascinating and at the same time, incredibly disgusting. I think it has to be the darkest thing I have ever read and although I'm not a squeamish type at all I found myself wincing and feeling nauseated at particular moments. The "hand," dinner was probably the worst for me but there is certainly grimness to be found on almost each page. Did I enjoy it? For the most part, I have to say I did. It felt like a very unique read and I did enjoy the numbered lists that Lizzie made for herself. As to a motive for killing her husband, there isn't really one I don't think - perhaps a temporary moment of insanity would explain things a bit better. Although, perhaps the author isn't trying to give Lizzie a motive, maybe she suggests that we never know what we may be capable of? This is a dark and very gory read so definitely NOT for those of a nervous or delicate disposition! Personally, it kept me intrigued right through to the end and I'm quite excited to see what this author does next.
Please see my full review at http://www.bibliobeth.com
nataliemeagan's review against another edition
1.0
A little background… I listen to true crime podcasts filled with violence as I fall asleep at night. So when I say I hated this book, please know I mean it. If the story had been gripping or intriguing in the slightest, it may have been salvageable but I hated this entire experience. My book club selected this for our spooky read in 2020 and… it wasn’t spooky, it was just downright disgusting. I’m concerned for the author and the research she may or may not have had to do in order to prepare to write this. I listened to it in audiobook as my husband slept beside me one night and he WOKE UP to ask me what I was listening to because it was so gross. I’d never read it again or recommend it to anyone.