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orchidlilly's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
Das Versprechen is an interesting subversion of most crime novels in that the story serves largely to critique the inefficiency of the police and to add a dose of unhappy realism to an otherwise formulaic genre. The prose is very nice, and while it is difficult to follow the perspectives sometimes, it was nonetheless enjoyable. The ending leaves a bit to be desired, but that is likely the entire point. Overall a good book in terms of sociopolitical commentary and writing, but not all that exceptional in terms of reading for pleasure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Drug use, Sexism, Suicide, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Ableism, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Car accident, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Classism
jasywy's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I read it for school, my favorite german literature book yet. The concept is different and unusual, Childmurder is generally not really talked about and i also love the history behind it, that it was a film first, but Dürrenmatt wanted to rewrite it. I also love how uneventful the story is and that the book criticizes itself
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Stalking
Minor: Miscarriage and Car accident