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sometimes_samantha_reads's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Night Ocean was a pleasant surprise to me! I had picked it up from the dollar store from a huge unorganized mess of books. It was something that was slightly out of my normal genre but I was intrigued. But I didn't pick it up until over a year later. That was a mistake! The story evoked so many of my emotions in a way that not many books I've read recently were able to do.
The prose of Paul La Farge was beyond enjoyable. The book, written in mostly internal monologs or incredibly realistic dialog, played so well to its intended imagery. At times I even forgot I was reading! His words played out so naturally it was hard to remember I was looking at words on a page rather than viewing the characters in flesh in front of me.
The ONLY reservation I have about giving The Night Ocean a 5 star rating is the ending. It fit PERFECTLY with the rest of the story and was in no way lazy. It was very intentional but I wanted to know more! Maybe when I have time to process I'll come back and change it to 5 stars (haha) but I emphatically recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a little bit of a psychological thriller.
The prose of Paul La Farge was beyond enjoyable. The book, written in mostly internal monologs or incredibly realistic dialog, played so well to its intended imagery. At times I even forgot I was reading! His words played out so naturally it was hard to remember I was looking at words on a page rather than viewing the characters in flesh in front of me.
The ONLY reservation I have about giving The Night Ocean a 5 star rating is the ending. It fit PERFECTLY with the rest of the story and was in no way lazy. It was very intentional but I wanted to know more! Maybe when I have time to process I'll come back and change it to 5 stars (haha) but I emphatically recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a little bit of a psychological thriller.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Racism, Sexual content, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Addiction and Suicide
Minor: Vomit
There is adultery in this book.
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