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katewhite77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
3.0
Very Well Written, But No Likeable Characters
This is probably born out of the fact that it is a modern retelling of Wouthering Heights. I can't really comment further on this aspect because I have never read Wouthering Heights.
My Soul Twin tells of a tumultuous relationship between a foster brother and sister Stella and Ivo were bought up together for part of their German childhood and become inextricably linked but not always in healthy ways. The novel opens with Ivo suddenly returning to the family after being estranged for seven years.
I was always going to read this because I absolutely adored Haratchiwili's first novel, The Eighth Life. However, I am the sort of reader who needs at least some likeable characters to get myself through a book. So, I found the first two-thirds hard to get through. The resolution to this novel was pretty amazing, though, and I felt my perseverance was richly rewarded.
This is probably born out of the fact that it is a modern retelling of Wouthering Heights. I can't really comment further on this aspect because I have never read Wouthering Heights.
My Soul Twin tells of a tumultuous relationship between a foster brother and sister Stella and Ivo were bought up together for part of their German childhood and become inextricably linked but not always in healthy ways. The novel opens with Ivo suddenly returning to the family after being estranged for seven years.
I was always going to read this because I absolutely adored Haratchiwili's first novel, The Eighth Life. However, I am the sort of reader who needs at least some likeable characters to get myself through a book. So, I found the first two-thirds hard to get through. The resolution to this novel was pretty amazing, though, and I felt my perseverance was richly rewarded.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and War
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder
abbie_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
3.0
The English speaking world has done Haratischvili a disservice by translating the masterpiece that is Brilka first, and then going back to her debut novel in German for her second English language debut. This book is fine, but it just cannot hold a candle to Brilka.
I recently read The Paper Palace and this book has similar vibes (but doesn’t get quite as dark), so if you enjoy reading books with messed up relationship dynamics where everyone is terrible to each other (and I do!) then I’d still recommend this one. But having read and adored Brilka, I just think it’s very obvious that this is a debut, and it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
My thanks to the publisher for my free review copy!
I recently read The Paper Palace and this book has similar vibes (but doesn’t get quite as dark), so if you enjoy reading books with messed up relationship dynamics where everyone is terrible to each other (and I do!) then I’d still recommend this one. But having read and adored Brilka, I just think it’s very obvious that this is a debut, and it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
My thanks to the publisher for my free review copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Car accident, and War
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