claws13's review against another edition
3.0
Yeah I didn't mind this book. It was a little slow for my liking but I did enjoy that it made keep changing my mind as to who was doing what.
curiousherring's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
2.5
After the death of her nine year old daughter, Julia leaves her husband, buying an old house which she is soon to call home. Little does she know that within the shadowy confines of her new abode, chilling secrets await, and she is soon immersed deeper into its darkness...
This book blurs the line between reality and the paranormal, prompting you to ponder if the peculiar occurrences stem from Julia's mental state, her allegedly deranged husband, or sinister forces that may truly be at play.
I definitely think this book is of its time, and there's probably a reason it's not as well loved as many other work by Straub. I hated most of the characters, and, well, let's just say that this isn't Straub's finest work at representing women in a positive way.
I enjoyed parts of this book, struggled through others. If you're a fan of classic ghost stories that build suspense with a hauntingly atmospheric pace, then I think this one is for you. However, as much as I enjoyed it, having delved into numerous other ghost tales that have truly left me spooked, I find it hard to rate this one any higher than 2.5 stars.
This book blurs the line between reality and the paranormal, prompting you to ponder if the peculiar occurrences stem from Julia's mental state, her allegedly deranged husband, or sinister forces that may truly be at play.
I definitely think this book is of its time, and there's probably a reason it's not as well loved as many other work by Straub. I hated most of the characters, and, well, let's just say that this isn't Straub's finest work at representing women in a positive way.
I enjoyed parts of this book, struggled through others. If you're a fan of classic ghost stories that build suspense with a hauntingly atmospheric pace, then I think this one is for you. However, as much as I enjoyed it, having delved into numerous other ghost tales that have truly left me spooked, I find it hard to rate this one any higher than 2.5 stars.
doreena's review against another edition
2.0
Disappointing
The characters were so unlivable, it made it impossible to wish any of them a happy ending. I’ve read and enjoyed Straub’s works before, but this was poorly written and poorly paced.
The characters were so unlivable, it made it impossible to wish any of them a happy ending. I’ve read and enjoyed Straub’s works before, but this was poorly written and poorly paced.
marco5599's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
okenwillow's review against another edition
5.0
Liquidé en 3 jours !!
troublant, presque frustrant si on veut un dénouement clair et rationnel, car là, c’est au choix, on interprète la fin (voire toute l’histoire) comme on veut !
J’ai adoré !
à la manière du génial Tour d’écrou d’Henry James…
troublant, presque frustrant si on veut un dénouement clair et rationnel, car là, c’est au choix, on interprète la fin (voire toute l’histoire) comme on veut !
J’ai adoré !
à la manière du génial Tour d’écrou d’Henry James…
faustian_bargain's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
milaarquen's review against another edition
2.0
It's a frustrating narrative, with shallow characters but with a good plot.
It's my first Peter Straub's book. It wasn't good, but I'll try another one to see if he's writing style grows on me.
It's my first Peter Straub's book. It wasn't good, but I'll try another one to see if he's writing style grows on me.
kmt75's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Pretty good "first" outing for Straub, whose agent suggested he try his hand at genre fiction after his first book bombed.
Julia's a pretty great character. Compelling throughout, although it doesn't quite stick the landing.
Julia's a pretty great character. Compelling throughout, although it doesn't quite stick the landing.