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lakesidebooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Murder, and Gaslighting
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.0
Finished reading: November 24th 2023
"Something clicks behind her, and Thalia turns, but it's just the room. Settling. Or, not settling. Waiting. Persisting in its energy. And angry she's discovered one of its secrets."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
I do love a good gothic thriller, so it's easy to understand why The Daughters Of Block Island caught my attention immediately. There was just something about the blurb that made it impossible to resist this story, and the promise of an island setting, old mansion and bad weather was just the icing on the cake. And I have to say, I was very impressed by this story! While the pace was a tad slow in points, it was also an extremely atmospheric read and I had an excellent time reading it.
There is no doubt that this story has a proper gothic vibe, and both the Block Island setting and the mansion itself play such an important role in the plot. I always love a small town setting, and this island sure has its share of secrets and intriguing characters. White Hall is the star of the show of course, and it was fascinating to learn more about the mansion and its history. The weather itself also made for such a perfect backdrop for this story; the constant rain and storm really enhancing the already there gothic atmosphere.
The Daughters Of Block Island is divided into two different parts, which I could personally appreciate as we get to know both sisters a little better this way. The many references/comparisons to other gothic stories I could also really appreciate, but even if you haven't read any of the classics yet it's still easy to get the gist of what this book is referring to. The story starts out with Blake, who can be a bit frustrating as she keeps making those typical mistakes that make you want to shake her. Her story is important to the plot though, and it gave you an idea of what was going on while also providing more questions than answers. That said, I did prefer the story once the other sister Thalia came into play, as it was more of a murder mystery at that point and the pace was faster.
As with most gothic thrillers there is also a hint at the paranormal and the possible existence of ghosts. I wouldn't call it a proper paranormal read though, and I thought the execution of this element was both subtle and well incorporated. There were a lot of secrets, twists and turns to unravel, and while I did guess some of the truth early on, I never did see the full picture. The last third of the story or so is especially suspenseful and engaging, and I liked how everything was wrapped up in the end.
In short, if you enjoy a well written and atmospheric gothic thriller with a small island setting, lots of secrets and don't mind a slower start, The Daughters Of Block Island is an excellent choice. There are quite a few heavy topics incorporated into the plot, so make sure to brace yourself for an emotional ride though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Car accident, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail