Reviews tagging 'Murder'

The Intoxicating Mr Lavelle by Neil Blackmore

11 reviews

sxndaze's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The world needs change, not forgiveness.

It’s a somber, queer book for sure. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re in the mood for it, it’ll certainly hit hard. This novel is about what lies and prejudice can do to a person, especially in a society that isn’t so forgiving. It’s not happy, and I’m not sure I would have picked it up if I knew that. But it’s still something I’m glad I read.

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caelfind's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective 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


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heather_freshparchment's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5


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berodatheelf's review against another edition

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dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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andyjnmcrae's review against another edition

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funny sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Mr Lavelle is a certainly intoxicating and this novel does an excellent job of replicating implicitly queer pieces of classic literature like Dorian Gray and The Great Gatsby through its  enthrallingly enigmatic love interest. 
As a literature graduate I appreciate what it was trying to do.
However as a queer person I have to say the main bulk of writing felt like it reduced queer people to mere sexual objects (my first intention after reuniting with someone heavily involved in
my brothers death
would not be to shag him i dunno about anyone else) 
Then there is the ending. I won’t spoil it so that people may still read this review but it felt slightly like a slightly shoddy and lazy way to finish it off. I don’t want to critique the writer too heavily I’ve not read more of his books I don’t know his style but this ending just was so unfounded and left me shocked but not in a good way; like in a really that shit just happened okay wtf way.

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heartsfromella's review against another edition

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emotional funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75


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jil_m's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A gracefully and powerful written book that shows the truth of the 1600-1700s.

Quick summary (no major spoilers) : 
We follow Benjamin, a man grown up in a family who is full of culture and class. Together with Edgar, his brother, he travels through Europe to encounter many useful people for the company of their father; which they are suppose to lead in the future. Quickly, he encounters a way more critical man, Mr. Lavelle. Everyone quite disguise him, including Edgar. Though Benjamin is more likely to be intrigued. The three men continue their long awaited travel and slowly find their way in Europe. But the more Lavelle makes his way into Benjamin’s life, the more Edgar is losing him. 

My review: 
I found this to be very interesting to read. Most people are likely to follow societies opinion, because that is what is most trusted. However, a Lavelle doesn’t. We get a fresh sense of critic on difference aspects of the world; culture, family, love, power and money. 
We see how society looks at the way of love they proceed to give to eachother. And how they experience love within their relationship themselves. 

However, in some ways I can see why people wouldn’t like this book. It is very graphic on some sensitive and intimate subjects. I’d definitely recommend looking at the trigger list before reading this. Plus, the way this thinking is introduced and told in this book, is not exactly for everyone. But, despite these critic points, I found this book to be very enjoyable and reflective to read. Strong opinions in a graceful manner of writing. 

Thank you :))

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puddlemud's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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emmasoslightly's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25


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rlaurene's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0


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