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emily_mh's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I felt pretty ambivalently about the art style from the first page, which ended up being how I felt about the book as a whole. Not much happened for most of the book, and then the resolution of the conflict was rushed so quickly. I also felt like Wendell and Marjorie's relationship needed more development. In terms of characterisation, I really liked Wendell, but Marjorie was kind of like a wet napkin, and I didn't like the one-dimensional bully character trope. Also, where was the apology from Marjorie's dad for literally neglecting her after her mum's death? Poor girl was running a household AND a business while going to MIDDLE school? Furthermore, some character development was like BAM this is how they are now, instead of showing a progression from Point A to Point B. I.e., Marjorie's dad is suddenly not depressed by the end of the book, and Wendell and Majorie are suddenly capable of swimming in the lake. However, even though the execution was shaky in places, I did like the premise and the setting, and the world-building surrounding ghosts, enough to give this 3 stars and want to seek out the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, and Death of parent
Minor: Ableism, Alcoholism, Body horror, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Violence, and Murder