rachelp's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Racism, Ableism, and Cultural appropriation
lunxchloe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have seldomly read a book this captivating. The start is really slow and I kept thinking to myself "why is nothing happening but I cannot stop reading?". The main character's stream of consciousness writing made the experience immersive. In some ways, I could sympathize with her naivite and her struggles to try and fit into this world that clearly has no place for her. But it's this exact writing that evokes this feeling of wanting to know what's going on. You share her feeling that things seem off, she doesn't fit it, but you're never quite able to grasp the WHY of that, because neither does she - until you're already two thirds finished.
You definitely have to keep in mind the time where this was written to put some statements into perspective.
This novel had me speechless and gasping multiple times. I definitely plan on rereading this sometime. I feel like the narrator's way of portraying what is happening around her is a clever way to cover the many layers and nuances of the actual story. I am excited to uncover even more once I can look beyond that. A strong recommendation for anyone that loves mystery and gothic atmosphere.
5/5*
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Murder and Gaslighting
Minor: Racism, Xenophobia, and Cancer
swebb1412's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Racism, Suicide, and Incest
Minor: Cancer
sarah_zaffiro's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Mental illness and Infidelity
Minor: Infertility, Fire/Fire injury, Racism, and Cancer
drmblu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Murder, Gun violence, Violence, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Racism
emelayaa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Racism
morenowagain's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Alcoholism, Incest, Violence, Cultural appropriation, Terminal illness, Racism, Murder, and Death
theolivetree's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Racism
magellen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
Oh poor sweet HELLA adhd Mrs. DeWinter - it is so deeply amusing to read this book, with her being "embarrassed for them because they didn't have the sense to" and her intense rejection sensitivity disorder and all her wild conjectures and anxiety.
This is such a fantastic book in the gothic catalogue and a classic of twisty overlapping story. Its ableist and racist in places in line with shitty white moneyed people of the era.
Young wife, husband twice her age, giant estate and a malicious housekeeper. Lots of secrets. Lots of miscommunication haha
Graphic: Classism, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Ableism, Death, Grief, Bullying, and Infidelity
Minor: Suicide, Racism, Murder, Mental illness, and Alcoholism
thyapollo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Minor: Racism