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rosiefpb's review against another edition
4.0
Ideally I'd have given this 3.5 stars, or a 7.5/10, (come on goodreads, sort that out would you?) because whilst I enjoyed it, and really loved the writing style, I wasn't madly in love with it. Having seen the film a couple of times before reading it, it almost felt a little repetitive, which is credit to the film for being so true to the book, down to the last detail (well, almost), but it also helped to visualise the scenes and made it a more textured reading experience. It has a beautiful, prosaic flow which made it a delight to read, but was more about the intricacies of relationships and emotions than anything really happening, so it felt a little slow paced at times. But the words were glorious, even if the story fell a little short in places. I'd definitely recommend it to a friend, but would make sure they go in knowing what to expect so they can drink in the details.
aimeeec's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
winnimartha's review against another edition
2.0
This was one of those books that I knew I should like, and I wanted to like, but I just didn't. It was okay. I caught glimpses of what I was supposed to be feeling, but I never actually felt it.
ncphilady's review against another edition
2.0
I finished this book only because I can't NOT finish a book - but I did not enjoy it. I'm not sure what all the hype was about, but this was not for me. The premise was interesting (unexplained suicides of 5 sisters), but beyond that the interesting premise, I was left unsatisfied.
milliesusan55's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Couldn't put this book down. It was well paced, pretty easy to read and very atmospheric. This book definitely isn't for everyone with heavy topics but I found it really intriguing. There were some descriptions which dragged a little or some pages that felt a bit redundant but overall it was a good read
theresbooksonmycattree's review against another edition
5.0
I… am speechless. I’ve been a fan of gothic literature since reading “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner in high school, and this book very much gives suburban gothic.
The book is told through the 4th person pov of the neighborhood boys and travels haphazardly yet genius-ly through accounts of their memories, the profiles of the Lisbon girls, and interviews of people in the neighborhood. I loved this writing style. I thought it was so creative and the prefect way to write this novel.
There were too many characters to keep up with, but it’s not the type of book where you need to keep track of every single person. Though the x-ray feature on my Kindle helped lol
From the first page, you’ll already be well-aware of the fates and methods of every Lisbon girl, so the book isn’t a traditional chronological plot mountain leading you closer to the “end” or a conclusion. It’s more like you’re getting closer to a truth; It’s more than the suicides— it’s about girlhood and anti-coming-of-age, femininity and mental health. It’s dreamy, it’s gross, it’s ugly, it’s melancholic, it’s obsessive.
There are so many things I’m still confused about, but I have just as much answers as those neighborhood boys. It’s supposed to be that way! Must read!!!!!! You’ll probably love it or hate it.
The book is told through the 4th person pov of the neighborhood boys and travels haphazardly yet genius-ly through accounts of their memories, the profiles of the Lisbon girls, and interviews of people in the neighborhood. I loved this writing style. I thought it was so creative and the prefect way to write this novel.
There were too many characters to keep up with, but it’s not the type of book where you need to keep track of every single person. Though the x-ray feature on my Kindle helped lol
From the first page, you’ll already be well-aware of the fates and methods of every Lisbon girl, so the book isn’t a traditional chronological plot mountain leading you closer to the “end” or a conclusion. It’s more like you’re getting closer to a truth; It’s more than the suicides— it’s about girlhood and anti-coming-of-age, femininity and mental health. It’s dreamy, it’s gross, it’s ugly, it’s melancholic, it’s obsessive.
There are so many things I’m still confused about, but I have just as much answers as those neighborhood boys. It’s supposed to be that way! Must read!!!!!! You’ll probably love it or hate it.
b_alexandra's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
5.0
hollyreads2606's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
serecontt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75