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tfischbach's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This was not a book for me. I enjoyed the lyrical writing, but I need a character I can root for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Antisemitism, Stalking, and Death of parent
orlaithma's review against another edition
5.0
Call of the Curlew is the debut novel of Elizabeth Brooks and it is simply wonderful. I've been struggling to find the motivation to read recently and this book has given me the kick start I needed. I picked it up this morning and finished it in time for lunch.
It tells the story of Virginia Wrathmell, both as a newly adopted 10 year old at the beginning of World War Two and as an 87 year old woman looking back on the event in 1940 that changed her life forever.
I know a lot of people don't like books that jump between times, but the author has written this wonderfully. She has used this method to slowly give the reader just enough information to keep us hooked.
Without giving away spoilers, the book has quite an ambiguous ending that I feel fits very well with the overall air of mystery. I like that even now I'm left guessing.
A quick search for the authour has informed me that she has signed a 2 book deal with Transworld and already I'm looking forward to whatever she comes up with!
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a free copy of Call of the Curlew.
It tells the story of Virginia Wrathmell, both as a newly adopted 10 year old at the beginning of World War Two and as an 87 year old woman looking back on the event in 1940 that changed her life forever.
I know a lot of people don't like books that jump between times, but the author has written this wonderfully. She has used this method to slowly give the reader just enough information to keep us hooked.
Without giving away spoilers, the book has quite an ambiguous ending that I feel fits very well with the overall air of mystery. I like that even now I'm left guessing.
A quick search for the authour has informed me that she has signed a 2 book deal with Transworld and already I'm looking forward to whatever she comes up with!
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a free copy of Call of the Curlew.
muirk128's review
4.0
Definitely intriguing, reminded me of Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights at times. Some plot twists, some plot points underdeveloped.
katiegilley's review
3.0
This book was Kate Morton-esque and deliciously fun! It was just missing a bit of oomph, if you know what I mean.
ageekybibliophile's review against another edition
1.0
Didn't enjoy this book at all. Was a chore to sit through and read and honestly couldn't wait to get it finished.
meadowlarksong5626's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
corvus_reader's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
Loved this book, thought the ending was dissatisfying/not thorough enough closure. I have questions!
blogginboutbooks's review
3.0
I like the Kate Morton-ish premise of this novel, so I was excited to read it. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointing read for me. While the story is atmospheric and Gothic-y (elements I love, especially in this kind of book), it's also almost unrelentingly sad and depressing. The characters are interesting, the plot is engrossing enough (although predictable), and the setting is richly drawn, but in the end, THE ORPHAN OF SALT WINDS just left me with a "What was the point of that?" feeling. I really wanted to like this one, but in the end, it was just an okay read for me. I'd give it a C+.
annagoldberg's review
1.0
Spoiler alert: the dog dies. In a very gruesome way. To top it off, this book is supposed to be brooding and gothic, but it’s just tepid. You’re better off reading Daphne DuMaurier if you want some actual suspense and character development.