readhikerepeat's review against another edition
2.0
This book was written a weird and confusing way. Each time I started to get into it, it changed gears. I almost put it down a few times but decided to trudge through it anyway.
The plot had potential but was very under-developed. I gave it two stars because I finished it.
The plot had potential but was very under-developed. I gave it two stars because I finished it.
minty's review against another edition
3.0
After a long spell of editing but no reading, it was refreshing to pick this up, with its well-crafted sentence. The story was not very original, but the pace was quick and the storytelling compelling.
writermattphillips's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent... One of the best writers working today.
bbboeken's review against another edition
3.0
Ik vond _Dare Me_ beter; ik had het een beetje moeilijk om mij in te leven in de verwarde en chaotische denk- en leefwereld van het hoofdpersonage, Lizzie. Het verhaal zelf zit goed ineen en de auteur werkt op een mooie manier naar een aantal verrassende elementen in de ontknoping toe. Niet dat het een whodunit is, want het einde is al min of meer gekend, iets na de helft, maar de manier waarop het plot wordt uitgewerkt is zeker boeiend.
mbonvino's review against another edition
4.0
A captivating novel about coming of age. The main character Lizzie spins a tale of misunderstanding her best friend, while Megan Abbott portrays many relationships forming, breaking, ending during the novel. Hard to put down
bunnieslikediamonds's review against another edition
3.0
There is some good writing here, beautiful depictions of that strange time in your life when you're not yet a teenager, and no longer a child. I used to be a 13-year-old girl, so I know Abbott captures that ambivalence and confusion perfectly. Perhaps that is why I found the parts that I couldn't relate to so disturbing. The two girls in the novel both have unhealthy obsessions with grown men, and although there may be explanations for that (absent father/charismatic, overbearing father) I thought the whole thing was unconvincing and horrifying.
The revelation about the true nature of the relationships between the characters and what really happened to Evie wasn't really a revelation at all. I'm not sure whether Abbott intended it to be or not, but I was confused because the whole thing played out pretty much as I had suspected. I mean, from the second you meet these people there are red flags popping up all over the place!
Writing about pre-teens, sexuality and abuse is going be difficult to pull off no matter who does it. I suppose Abbott does it well, but her novel left me feeling a little queasy.
The revelation about the true nature of the relationships between the characters and what really happened to Evie wasn't really a revelation at all. I'm not sure whether Abbott intended it to be or not, but I was confused because the whole thing played out pretty much as I had suspected. I mean, from the second you meet these people there are red flags popping up all over the place!
Writing about pre-teens, sexuality and abuse is going be difficult to pull off no matter who does it. I suppose Abbott does it well, but her novel left me feeling a little queasy.
pandasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
The End of Everything by Megan Abbott.
A deeply unsettling and profound story of girlhood and family.
The story is narrated by 13 year Lizzie following the disappearance of her best friend and neighbor Evie.
This isn't your typical mystery story. What follows is a complex and at times uncomfortable story which focuses on the impacts of the disappearance and changing relationships as a result. I dont want to spoil the plot but the subject matter does deal with complex adult situations described from the perspective and with the naivety of a young girl. Trigger warning for themes around sexual abuse.
The lyrical prose and style took me a while to get used to but I am so glad I stuck with it. The flowing, exaggeration and repetitive prose reminds me of that time in adolescence where everything is larger than life and dramatic. I think the author really nails this feeling.
I'm keen to read more by this author.
This is the kind of story that will stay with you long after finishing the last page.
Overall, a wonderful, thought provoking contemporary story with a unique lyrical style.
A deeply unsettling and profound story of girlhood and family.
The story is narrated by 13 year Lizzie following the disappearance of her best friend and neighbor Evie.
This isn't your typical mystery story. What follows is a complex and at times uncomfortable story which focuses on the impacts of the disappearance and changing relationships as a result. I dont want to spoil the plot but the subject matter does deal with complex adult situations described from the perspective and with the naivety of a young girl. Trigger warning for themes around sexual abuse.
The lyrical prose and style took me a while to get used to but I am so glad I stuck with it. The flowing, exaggeration and repetitive prose reminds me of that time in adolescence where everything is larger than life and dramatic. I think the author really nails this feeling.
I'm keen to read more by this author.
This is the kind of story that will stay with you long after finishing the last page.
Overall, a wonderful, thought provoking contemporary story with a unique lyrical style.
meghanng's review against another edition
3.0
This was a weird one. I liked the disturbing factor but it seemed like the author was trying too hard at times to write something "beautiful". Several instances where vague feelings were referenced in the italicized parts which I found annoying. Some of the characters just seemed too off their rockers/in the throes of nervous breakdown (Lizzie's last conversation with Pete- what was that?) and just came off over the top. In the end the pieces more or less fit together but it didn't happen very organically which is really what makes for suspense.
sarahbrarian's review against another edition
1.0
Initially I gave this book two stars because while it’s problematic it’s at least well written. The more I thought about it though this book is a piece of trash and awarding it one star is generous. The idea that a 13 year old is a willing participant in her abduction and sexual assault is abhorrent. The 13 year old also alleges that her “relationship” with the older man is ok because her older sister allegedly has a sexual relationship with their father, and that is fucked up. Avoid this garbage book. See also My Absolute Darling, another piece of shit book that attempts to normalize rape and violence and older men desiring sex with children.
drrawsonreads's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting writing style, story kept me turning the pages.