bookapotamus's review against another edition
4.0
Sooo in love with this book! The story is unique and fun and glamorous and crazy! I read it in one day and I couldn't put it down. The writing is very raw - 'stream-of-conscious' - easy flowing dialogue and like a modern-day Talented Mr. Ripley, with Facebook and Instagram and texting and selfies... so clever, suspenseful and thrilling!
Louise is kind of a drag. She's led a pretty boring life thus far and moved to NYC to become something. Someone other than what she is. She ideally would love to be writer, but slogs through her day SAT tutoring rich prep school brats, writing for GlaZam, and as a barista. But can barely afford her $800 a month rent controlled closet she calls an apartment. She doesn't really date, or have friends, and her introvert status is at an all time high.
Enter Lavinia. Larger than life party-girl socialite, free-spirited and without a care in the world, Lavinia latches onto Louise in hopes of some "stability" as she'd "like to be a writer" as well. Louise gets swept into Lavinia's world, partying all night, non-stop drinking and selfie taking, drugs, Seats at the opera and exclusive soirees, and access to Lavinia's never-ending supply of money. The girls become an envied twosome and are rarely seen without each other, and soon, Louise moves into Lavinia's glamorous apartment. She loves her new life, but still can't seem to figure out "why her?" Why did Lavinia choose her of all the glamorous people in New York City? And then soon realizes that keeping up with Lavinia's lifestyle is exhausting, and expensive. The more Lavinia 'needs her' the more she loses herself. How will she keep up with the endless partying and keep up this sham of a social status, while trying to keep the meager jobs she has to pay for it all?
She won't have to long it seems. Because Lavinia dies. Not a spoiler. She tells you straight away. But the way she dies is shocking. And what happens after Lavinia dies is INSANE! I got swept up in this incredibly unique story of friendship, indulgence, decadence and manipulation. It was riveting, from start to finish and I will definitely be following Tara Isabella Burton to see what comes next!
Thank you to Goodreads for the giveaway and big thanks to @doubledaybooks #partner
Louise is kind of a drag. She's led a pretty boring life thus far and moved to NYC to become something. Someone other than what she is. She ideally would love to be writer, but slogs through her day SAT tutoring rich prep school brats, writing for GlaZam, and as a barista. But can barely afford her $800 a month rent controlled closet she calls an apartment. She doesn't really date, or have friends, and her introvert status is at an all time high.
Enter Lavinia. Larger than life party-girl socialite, free-spirited and without a care in the world, Lavinia latches onto Louise in hopes of some "stability" as she'd "like to be a writer" as well. Louise gets swept into Lavinia's world, partying all night, non-stop drinking and selfie taking, drugs, Seats at the opera and exclusive soirees, and access to Lavinia's never-ending supply of money. The girls become an envied twosome and are rarely seen without each other, and soon, Louise moves into Lavinia's glamorous apartment. She loves her new life, but still can't seem to figure out "why her?" Why did Lavinia choose her of all the glamorous people in New York City? And then soon realizes that keeping up with Lavinia's lifestyle is exhausting, and expensive. The more Lavinia 'needs her' the more she loses herself. How will she keep up with the endless partying and keep up this sham of a social status, while trying to keep the meager jobs she has to pay for it all?
She won't have to long it seems. Because Lavinia dies. Not a spoiler. She tells you straight away. But the way she dies is shocking. And what happens after Lavinia dies is INSANE! I got swept up in this incredibly unique story of friendship, indulgence, decadence and manipulation. It was riveting, from start to finish and I will definitely be following Tara Isabella Burton to see what comes next!
Thank you to Goodreads for the giveaway and big thanks to @doubledaybooks #partner
tobesmagobes's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to Sharaya for the rec. 4.5 stars, simply for predictability. The characters are so well drawn they’re going to live in my brain for a long time. Can’t wait for the inevitable film and I’d read a sequel. Also WAT DID LOUISE DO TO VIRGIL???
bonefires's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kristen_eden's review against another edition
5.0
Such a good read
Captivating, fun, and so so so well written. I am in love with the ending. If you're a fan of Megan Abbott or things like that... Just perfect.
Captivating, fun, and so so so well written. I am in love with the ending. If you're a fan of Megan Abbott or things like that... Just perfect.
mmegantylerr's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
aliciawithoutkeys's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Vomit, Alcoholism, Violence, and Drug use
wyrmst's review against another edition
5.0
I finished this in two days, and I’m not good at finishing books in the first place. It wasn’t what I expected from the blurb, but was so much better. It’s completely opulent and unrealistic and full of caricatures and everyone has old fashioned literary names, but damn do I love some drama. All of this made it feel otherworldly even though it’s set in the 2010’s. The writing style isn’t for everyone but really appealed to me.
If you want light horror and a really incredible depiction of the obsessiveness of friendship and love and wondering if you can “be known and loved” at the same time, read it and AVOID SPOILERS
If you want light horror and a really incredible depiction of the obsessiveness of friendship and love and wondering if you can “be known and loved” at the same time, read it and AVOID SPOILERS
brittanyfw's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
parlezkate's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very fun, intense, and solid 3.5 star read. I tacked another half star on because I know the setting in which the story takes place pretty well, including some of these characters, and I can credibly say to the reviewers who said people don’t live like this: They sure do.
paigeafterpage_'s review against another edition
4.0
RTC.
When I have two hands to type.
I had surgery today.
When I have two hands to type.
I had surgery today.