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theaceofpages's review against another edition
dark
slow-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
3.25
"When you're an adult, friendship is built on a kind of recognition, on complicity: a shared territory. But it seems to me that in the other person we also look for something that we only possess in minor, embryonic or frustrated form. So we tend to form links with those who have been able to develop a way of being that we incline towards but have not attained.
I know what I admire about each of my friends. In every case I could name what quality she posses that I do not or posses in too small a quantity."
This story follows Delphine (who seems to be based rather strongly on the author) and her increasingly toxic friendship with fan turned friend L. I loved the blurring between fiction and reality in this one (how much is actually based on a true story?) but there were sections I found less interesting. For example, there is a lot of talk about the writing process and although I do dabble in the art, I just felt like there was maybe a bit much of it. I mean, I completely get why it's there (I mean, it is a book about an author!) but I wasn't as invested in those parts. While I'm not upset that I read this one I am not particularly interested in seeking out more similar books.
I know what I admire about each of my friends. In every case I could name what quality she posses that I do not or posses in too small a quantity."
This story follows Delphine (who seems to be based rather strongly on the author) and her increasingly toxic friendship with fan turned friend L. I loved the blurring between fiction and reality in this one (how much is actually based on a true story?) but there were sections I found less interesting. For example, there is a lot of talk about the writing process and although I do dabble in the art, I just felt like there was maybe a bit much of it. I mean, I completely get why it's there (I mean, it is a book about an author!) but I wasn't as invested in those parts. While I'm not upset that I read this one I am not particularly interested in seeking out more similar books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Mental illness
katrinarose's review
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a unique book and I flew through it. It’s a very introspective action-less psychological thriller and I don’t think it will be for everyone because of that. I was enthralled by the slow unfolding of L.’s manipulation and the writing style of the author. It was very meta as well and played a lot with the idea of truth/reality versus fiction, which was interesting especially you wonder how much of the book itself is real. I would recommend it if you enjoy character studies and introspection with a bit of unsettling tension driving it all forward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Medical content, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Sexual assault, Suicide, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
hamsterseiten's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Toxic friendship