pogonotomy's review against another edition
4.0
I don't consider this to be a 'bad' book . . it was very well-written, just the content was very disturbing. I personally would not reread this book.
ibbabelle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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
2.5
sarahbelwv's review against another edition
4.0
A fast-paced novel with intense imagery. I enjoyed the unfolding of Helen's past and the influence it had on the woman she became. From her mother's reclusiveness to the secrets of her father's life and death, this book is full of the vivid memories and emotions that set Helen on the path to the spontaneous murder of her mother and the subsequent pursuit for the freedom she never had. I liked the dynamics of the various relationships throughout the book except for the one between Helen and her best friend's son, Hamish (ick).
I did feel that the end was a bit of a cop-out (no pun intended) as I prefer a more solid closure, but overall, I enjoyed Sebold's latest effort.
I did feel that the end was a bit of a cop-out (no pun intended) as I prefer a more solid closure, but overall, I enjoyed Sebold's latest effort.
esoreilla's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't hate this book. But I didn't like it either. The feeling of the whole book was depressing and bleak. I also didnt like how solitary the first half was. The character relationships were interesting so for a while in the middle I enjoyed it more. The ending didn't feel satisfying. I kept wanting to like Helen but didn't really as she kept making stupid decisions.
booksforbreakfast's review against another edition
It’s so bad. So, so bad. There there is absolutely nothing that sucks you in, the main character is horrible.. it’s bad.
kjricha's review against another edition
2.0
I’m flip-flopping between 2.5 and 3 with this. I love the complicated, horrible, troubled relationship the main character has with her mother. But some of the plot choices left me rolling my eyes.
lungteeth's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the most poignant books I've read.
I've noticed many of the reviews saying that this book is completely laughable. People have a tendency to laugh in the fact of that which they don't want to understand.
Of course the protagonist is unlikeable; she's completely emotionally detached and exists as a husk of a person, exhibiting impulsive yet listless behaviour despite having constant horrible memories and thoughts. This is exactly what happens when a person grows up in a loveless household; what this book captures isn't just bitching and moaning about a mentally ill loved one, but how it fundamentally affects a person.
The book wasn't perfect and I think there were some continuity errors, but for what it is I think it's perfect. I didn't hugely like The Lovely Bones and consider this a much rawer, more condensed tale in the same vein. For tackling what it did in such a manner, I'm giving it 5 stars.
I've noticed many of the reviews saying that this book is completely laughable. People have a tendency to laugh in the fact of that which they don't want to understand.
Of course the protagonist is unlikeable; she's completely emotionally detached and exists as a husk of a person, exhibiting impulsive yet listless behaviour despite having constant horrible memories and thoughts. This is exactly what happens when a person grows up in a loveless household; what this book captures isn't just bitching and moaning about a mentally ill loved one, but how it fundamentally affects a person.
The book wasn't perfect and I think there were some continuity errors, but for what it is I think it's perfect. I didn't hugely like The Lovely Bones and consider this a much rawer, more condensed tale in the same vein. For tackling what it did in such a manner, I'm giving it 5 stars.
lovelyjanelle13's review against another edition
3.0
I had to push through to finish this book. There was nothing distinctly wrong with it but nothing that stuck out to me as awesome except for the last few pages.