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trin's review against another edition
4.0
A Finnish book, which is not something I ordinarily get to say. This novel was flawed, but overall I really loved it. It takes place in an alternate universe where trolls were discovered to be a real, living species in the early part of the 20th century. Mikael, a photographer, finds a troll cub who’s somehow stumbled into the city, and takes him in. Their relationship is…not something I can easily describe, but it’s more than a little disturbing, oddly alluring, and completely captivating. The narrative—especially the dénouement—is a little rushed, but it was successful in that it left me wanting more but not frustrated with the conclusion. Even the rapidly shifting POV, not something I usually enjoy, worked for me here. According to her bio, Sinisalo has written many other books, but unfortunately this seems to be the only one (besides a short story anthology to which she contributed) that’s been translated into English. How frustrating, because I’d really like to read more of her work. Still, I’m glad I got to read this, and if you can find it—I had to track it down through intramural library loans—I heartily recommend it. It’s unusual and seductive and creepy. One of my favorite combinations!
neppi's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Kiinnostava premissi, mutta juoni meni odottamattomaan suuntaan. Todella nopea lukea.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
lunelinx's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, and Violence
aspenapple's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mosaikki's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
myngerrys's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
thniels's review against another edition
3.0
While the constant shift in pov is incredibly annoying and the characters border on the stereotypic, the story does have its merits; particularly if you stay with to the end.
ketutar's review against another edition
5.0
yes, this is it. I read it already years ago.
I love it.
I love it.
karinlib's review against another edition
dark
2.0
The mythological sections were interesting, the romance sections, not so much. The blurb for this says that it's enchanting... nah.
grayjay's review against another edition
4.0
This book was fun and sexy. Although I skipped through a few of the textbook-like chapters, I enjoyed reading it. Unfortunately, I was fairly disappointed with the ending.