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headachesince03's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Stalking, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Classism
liesthemoontells's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I can see why this novella has stood the test of time in terms of its atmospheric dread, the creepiness of it's supernatural themes, and the compelling narrative of innocent children being lured by evil, not to mention the brilliance of the unreliable narration. I, for one, am completely on Team The Governess is Clearly Going Insane.
That being said, the prose in this novel is SO dense. The run on sentences are so exhausting that just trying to keep up with the plot is a challenge at times, which really takes away from the atmospheric horror of it all.
That being said, the prose in this novel is SO dense. The run on sentences are so exhausting that just trying to keep up with the plot is a challenge at times, which really takes away from the atmospheric horror of it all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Classism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Gaslighting
waytoomanybooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a richly spooky tale! It’s hard to know who to trust, which makes you question the sanity of the four main characters. Our unnamed main character is the epitome of an unreliable narrator...or is she? It's a short, but compelling page turner.
It's also worth noting that the run-on sentences can be tricky to follow. I did have to stop and reread sentences several times to make sure I understood what I was reading, but honestly, if you miss a sentence here or there, it doesn't really make a difference. (Did you see what I did there? 😉)
It's also worth noting that the run-on sentences can be tricky to follow. I did have to stop and reread sentences several times to make sure I understood what I was reading, but honestly, if you miss a sentence here or there, it doesn't really make a difference. (Did you see what I did there? 😉)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Pedophilia, and Gaslighting
Heads up there is impliedsarahndipity's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
James shines when he writes stilted dialog between distressed characters. His plot needed work. A couple of threads were left hanging.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child death and Death