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caitlyn57ef4's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
taherasplace's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
constancelee's review against another edition
4.0
I totally relate to the other reviewers who have said, “What did I just read?” but I really liked this one a lot. It is very introspective and atmospheric, with a dreamlike quality. Almost like a David Lynch film, but in its own style on its own merits. I haven't read The Wonder Garden, so I can't make comparisons there. I recently read Looker (Laura Sims) which was fairly similar inasmuch as it was told from the first person point of view and is a novel about obsession. While I enjoyed Looker, I liked this one a little better. I found the prose unique and captivating at times, and there was a little more to offer due to this particular protagonist's imagination/creativity. This is not a plot-heavy book, but more like a character study, and it's a slow burn for sure. Since I love character-driven fiction, this one was perfect for me. I'm not sure what to think about the ending but it fits well with the rest of the book.
eleanora0901's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
lbutcke's review against another edition
4.0
It is so interesting to read a book and not ever like the main character. Written from an interesting point of view.
cemoses's review against another edition
2.0
Not my type of book nor was it what I expected. I expected a book on the ups and downs of female friendship. However, I would call the book a psychological thriller.
A big problem of the book is that I felt did not understand or identify with either of the female characters. Also I was not sure of what the "point" of the book was.
I received a free cop[y of the book from Negalley in exchange for an honest review.
A big problem of the book is that I felt did not understand or identify with either of the female characters. Also I was not sure of what the "point" of the book was.
I received a free cop[y of the book from Negalley in exchange for an honest review.
debtat2's review against another edition
4.0
Two childhood best friends, Abby and Elise having taken different paths following school drifted apart and lost contact meet up again at their 10 year school reunion. Whilst Abby still lives at home with her parents after dropping out of college and working in the local supermarket, Elise now lives in California and has become a famous Hollywood actress. Told from Abby’s point of view it follows both women as they rekindle their friendship.
Abby has been following Elises career which would be natural being that they were once best friends but it soon becomes apparent that Abby is not just a fan or friend, she is dangerously obsessed and jealous of her old friend. She takes the label super fan to whole new level.
At the reunion after a few too many drinks Elise invites Abby to come and visit her in LA, it was more of a polite throwaway comment as opposed to a genuine invite. A few weeks later Abby turns up on Elise’s doorstep and the short visit turns into a long term stay and Abby becomes Elise’s personal assistant, integrating herself into every aspect of Elise’s life.
Some of the narration is told via Abby’s dreams and visions bringing a whole other level to the story which follows the women friendships which turns into something dark and complex. The whole story is filled with jealously, obsession, ambitions, desires and mental health issues.
The book is extremely well written, filled with vivid descriptions that make the whole story come to life in your minds eye. The characters are complex, relatable at times as well as a little disturbing. Neither women are particularly likeable but that’s what makes this book so great.
A complex, character driven plot with a dark chilling plot line that comes to life on the pages. The writing style and storyline may not be to everyone’s liking, I think this book will be a bit like marmite, you will either love it or hate it!
The Paper Wasp will be published in the UK on 13 June 2019 and can be preordered now. I highly recommend it to literally everyone so you can judge for yourself.
A big thank you to the writer Lauren Acampora, publishers Grove Atlantic and Quercus, and NetGalley for my digital advance copy in exchange for an honest and independent review.
https://debbiesbookreviews.wordpress.com/2019/06/07/the-paper-wasp-by-lauren-acampora/
Abby has been following Elises career which would be natural being that they were once best friends but it soon becomes apparent that Abby is not just a fan or friend, she is dangerously obsessed and jealous of her old friend. She takes the label super fan to whole new level.
At the reunion after a few too many drinks Elise invites Abby to come and visit her in LA, it was more of a polite throwaway comment as opposed to a genuine invite. A few weeks later Abby turns up on Elise’s doorstep and the short visit turns into a long term stay and Abby becomes Elise’s personal assistant, integrating herself into every aspect of Elise’s life.
Some of the narration is told via Abby’s dreams and visions bringing a whole other level to the story which follows the women friendships which turns into something dark and complex. The whole story is filled with jealously, obsession, ambitions, desires and mental health issues.
The book is extremely well written, filled with vivid descriptions that make the whole story come to life in your minds eye. The characters are complex, relatable at times as well as a little disturbing. Neither women are particularly likeable but that’s what makes this book so great.
A complex, character driven plot with a dark chilling plot line that comes to life on the pages. The writing style and storyline may not be to everyone’s liking, I think this book will be a bit like marmite, you will either love it or hate it!
The Paper Wasp will be published in the UK on 13 June 2019 and can be preordered now. I highly recommend it to literally everyone so you can judge for yourself.
A big thank you to the writer Lauren Acampora, publishers Grove Atlantic and Quercus, and NetGalley for my digital advance copy in exchange for an honest and independent review.
https://debbiesbookreviews.wordpress.com/2019/06/07/the-paper-wasp-by-lauren-acampora/
gabbyhm's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
cassandralovesfeta's review against another edition
4.0
Fabulous So very worth your time. Bonus points for Michigan getting some love. The novel is well thought out $ executed well. Good work.