peanutparker's review
dark
inspiring
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
I can't believe this book isn't more popular. I picked it up at goodwill because it looked interesting but I was not expecting to love it as much as I did. This book genuinely had me on the edge of my seat, gasping at every turn.
I love character-driven stories and this book was so good at fleshing out the main characters. Every chapter switches to another character's story, and while they're all connected in some way, they are all doing their own thing for most of the story. I love when stories are able to show that everyone is complicated and dealing with their own things all while tying it together somehow. The characters (except for William) are all loveable in their own ways and so human.
The writing in this book is just jaw-dropping. I, again, can't believe it isn't more popular. Caroline Leavitt deserves way more credit guys. I read a review before finishing the book saying that they didn't like that the ending felt victim-blamey and upon finishing I actually disagree with them. I don't think at any point Leavitt is trying to say that William is a good guy, I think she was just making the story more human and real. I happened to really like the unreliable narration of his chapter even though I hate him as a character.
Definitely read this book if you're into dark romance, complicated characters, and a little bit of mystery.
I love character-driven stories and this book was so good at fleshing out the main characters. Every chapter switches to another character's story, and while they're all connected in some way, they are all doing their own thing for most of the story. I love when stories are able to show that everyone is complicated and dealing with their own things all while tying it together somehow. The characters (except for William) are all loveable in their own ways and so human.
The writing in this book is just jaw-dropping. I, again, can't believe it isn't more popular. Caroline Leavitt deserves way more credit guys. I read a review before finishing the book saying that they didn't like that the ending felt victim-blamey and upon finishing I actually disagree with them. I don't think at any point Leavitt is trying to say that William is a good guy, I think she was just making the story more human and real. I happened to really like the unreliable narration of his chapter even though I hate him as a character.
Definitely read this book if you're into dark romance, complicated characters, and a little bit of mystery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Antisemitism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Dementia, Gun violence, Murder, Sexual content, War, Violence, Pedophilia, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Grief
laurenipsum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Violence, Alcoholism, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Abandonment, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Misogyny, Murder, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
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