The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
katewhite77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
<strong>A creepy tale about keeping up with the Jones'</strong>
Neighbourhood politics in 1940's USA. Clostraphobic dark and twisted.
This was a debut novel, and it shows here I feel. Plot jumps around a bit and hard to keep track of everyone and everything.Â
This is an uncomfortable exploration of how dark human nature can become if not challenged.
Neighbourhood politics in 1940's USA. Clostraphobic dark and twisted.
This was a debut novel, and it shows here I feel. Plot jumps around a bit and hard to keep track of everyone and everything.Â
This is an uncomfortable exploration of how dark human nature can become if not challenged.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Antisemitism, Child death, Chronic illness, Classism, Fatphobia, Suicide, and Toxic friendship
flowingleaves's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Antisemitism, and Body shaming
toffishay's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Shirley Jackson really has a way with setting a scene. We learn so much about out characters over the course of the summer, learning about their flaws and times when they strive for more. I will say that there is a twist of sorts that really caught me off guard, but I'm not sure if it was in a good way. It felt a little out of nowhere and I think that other actions and characters were set up that could have been part of the final act. But I think that is the point with Shirley Jackson too: to have a cast of characters all with their own cruelties and pain and just going about life. As a first novel, it's still pretty great and you can see where she grows as a writer in her other works, most of which I love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual harassment, Religious bigotry, Ableism, Antisemitism, Blood, Child death, Fatphobia, Injury/Injury detail, Racial slurs, Suicide, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Alcohol
Minor: Incest
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