minapmreads's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Rape
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Murder, and Car accident
Initially slow to get in to, however by midway the suspense increased. Some annoying page turning tricks. In the end a good read, made feel sad and hopeful. Doesn't make you want to live in outback Australia.kirstyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Violence, Death, Child abuse, Rape, Physical abuse, Grief, and Suicide
bookstorian's review against another edition
4.0
The Bright family have been part of the Balmarra landscape for over a hundred years when one of the three brothers is found laying dead at the infamous Stockman's grave. Although his death if quickly written off as suicide, Nathan, the eldest brother can't seem to shake the feeling that there is more to the story.
There were many classic Jane Harper elements to this story that I loved including the establishment of place - it was so vivid and real, you could sense the isolation and heat of the land as well as the character's relationship with it. The character's were also well fleshed out, most of them had a backstory that not only gave them colour, but also motive. The infusion of outback myth/ghost stories as well as some of the moral decisions made by the characters was awesome as well as the exploration of family and the cyclical nature of abuse.
Whilst the story took a little while to unfurl, I liked that it allowed me to make my own hypothesis about how Cameron died.
I'm glad I can finally tick another Jane Harper novel off my TBR!
Similar to 'The Dry' by Jane Harper and 'The Wrong Woman' by JP Pomare.
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Rape
jhbandcats's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
The Lost Man is an in-depth look at a family wracked by violence down through the generations. The three adult sons have each dealt with their childhood in different ways, with alcoholism and mental illness ongoing despite all the years that have passed. The death of the middle son has the eldest, Nathan, examining the past with new insight and empathy.
The redemption at the end felt so good. I really recommend all Harper’s books and am really eager for her next Aaron Falk (The Dry, Force of Nature) book, available in the US in Jan 2023.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal death, Grief, Sexual assault, Car accident, Child abuse, Mental illness, Murder, Domestic abuse, and Rape
kponturo's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Murder, Domestic abuse, Animal death, Rape, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Death, and Death of parent
silver_valkyrie_reads's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.5
Plus, Jane Harper is just a fabulous writer who draws you into the story and has an amazing sense of place!
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Animal death, Infidelity, and Rape
Minor: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Abortion, and Cancer
olivea21db's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Animal cruelty, Emotional abuse, Rape, Child abuse, and Animal death
souppiggy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Death, and Physical abuse
Minor: Rape
typedtruths's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Animal death, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Infidelity
wiedienacht's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.25
Minor: Rape