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kaitlynnnng's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This is yet another book that’s difficult for me to review. I listened to the audiobook and followed along in the physical book. If it weren’t for the audiobook, I don’t know if I would’ve been able to finish this book as quickly as I did. It was very slow-paced (except for the last 80 pages or so), and I definitely got bored more than once. The writing style was not my favorite for when I’m reading for pleasure. However, this is a great example of gothic literature, and, as an English teacher/former English major, I can appreciate that. I can definitely see the Gender and Literature classes I took in college reading this book!
I’ve read many reviews where people said Eleanor, the main character, was a terrible, selfish person who made terrible choice after terrible choice. For most of the story, I completely disagreed with those reviews. While unfortunate things did happen as a result of Eleanor’s wishes, and while I didn’t necessarily connect with her, I completely understood why she made her choices/wishes she made, I felt bad for her, and I recognized that she tried to take care of those she cared for. However, in Parts Six and Seven, Eleanor was undeniably more selfish, and, at the very end, she refused to take any responsibility for her own actions, which I didn’t like.
The Epilogue creates a strangely satisfying ending, though it’s far from happy.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Pedophilia, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death, Miscarriage, Rape, Blood, Car accident, Abortion, Death of parent, and Alcohol
booksincottages's review
- 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
3.0
Moderate: Rape, Murder, and Sexual harassment
vanina_ice's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
soundlysmitten's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Although this is listed as a fantasy, to me the story felt more like a cross between a historical novel with Gothic elements and a psychological thriller with supernatural factors at play. It’s more harrowing than thrilling, though. While I’d say it’s medium paced, long sections and spots where the writing gets dense can actually make it feel pretty slow.
Told in third-person from Eleanor’s point of view, it isn’t always clear what is or isn’t real. She’s experienced quite a bit of trauma by the time we meet her and the limitations of her life have her feeling claustrophobic. Some people might interpret Eleanor as an entitled character, but I don’t think it’s fair to imply she doesn’t deserve better. Of course she does. No one deserves to endure the twisted conditions she and her co-workers must. So personally, I’d say Eleanor starts out with good reason to feel bitter. If not for the life she almost had, for all the other loss she’s experienced, and for the torment of working in Mr. Pembroke’s household. It can surely be said that Eleanor goes on to make some selfishly cruel, misguided decisions. But as I mentioned, she’s a desperate and deluded protagonist… and each wish she makes corrupts her character further.
While I understand the dire environment the author sought to create, it was difficult to read through all of the instances of physical and sexual abuse. Women turning against women is also not something I enjoy reading about. Honestly, I think violence might taint every part of this story. Even the romance, as the love interest is oh so distraught to find Eleanor being abused in a position he arranged, but all he does is get her in trouble and leave her there…
As you might have guessed, this is not a book with a neat, feel good resolution. Although I mostly prefer to read HEAs, I don’t think I would have minded the conclusion if it had been fleshed out further. But towards the end, some of the events that play out seem a bit too convenient. And worse, we are left with a number of essential questions.
The only other criticism I have is about Eleanor’s self-talk regarding the wishes. Her decision making process is so repetitive. Every time, she starts by says she’s not going to make another wish—she is NOT—because the last time she did, something terrible happened. Then she flips her position and says no, that wasn’t really a consequence of the wish—it can't be. And she needs to make another wish right now because: insert justification. Maybe that’s a more realistic thought process than I’d like to believe. But I found it rather annoying…
All the same, with themes of desire, greed, power, and revenge, this is an intriguing read on the consequences of flirting with evil. It’s a much darker narrative than I typically like to get lost in, so I can’t say I loved it. And I probably won’t be giving it a re-read. But it is captivating and I’m sure it’s *the* book for somebody else out there.
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Grief, Abortion, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal death, Drug abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Vomit, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent