Reviews

‘Kala’ by Colin Walsh. oh my goodness. this was the first thriller i think i’ve ever read that caught my attention so quickly and held it with such fierceness i could rarely put the book down. Walsh has created something wonderful here in ‘Kala’, something ever lasting in its ability to evoke such deep emotions, and feelings for every character in this novel. the way he kept me on a line until the very end to make sure that when all the pieces fit together, it all finally makes sense, in such a beautifully shocking way; but that was the least (though still) impactful part of this book, and instead the way he painted the early adolescent experience, the vivid nature of one’s feelings and relationships. the wonderful and disgusting nature of friendships entrenched in the nastiness and gorgeousness of youth itself. i think i could talk for days about this book, and i want to come back to this review in a while, after i have fully digested the story. i loved his exploration of spirituality and his meditations on life itself throughout the book too, which was embedded subtly but with such depth. rating- for me this was an obvious 5/5 stars ⭐️. i LOVED it, and will be recommending it to anyone who cares to listen to me. also funny story as to how i even got this book- i was with mum in waterstones and had already picked up two books to buy and vowed i wouldn’t buy anymore because i need to be saving for university in late september, and yet when i went to checkout with mum, the lady at the checkout pushed with her rather brusque selling skills, this book, ‘kala’ onto me and basically demanded i buy it, so of course, i did, and im very glad of the fact. i think when i get a chance i’ll definitely want to re-read this, now that i know all the answers to the mystery, i think it would make for an interesting and impactful second reading, but also it would be lovely to read all of Walsh’s beautiful prose again. this was also two books i’ve read in a row with different character point of views, and i’m actually thoroughly enjoying this structure in a novel. (finished around 5:23pm sunday 18th august)

njw13's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

marlenescheuch's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

benwhittall's review against another edition

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dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

jennytoomany's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I liked the slow pace to this story with a focus on character development over plot.
I really disliked the individual monologues most of the characters had; they were so over done I often had to put the book down with an eye roll and a “come on” I agree with other reviews on this app that they came across as very unrealistic and very self indulgent of the author.
I would read any future releases of this author.

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