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jessica_reading_writing's review against another edition
3.0
Overview: This is one of those "bookstagram made me do it" books. Historial fiction is not my usual genre at all but I thought the fact this book involved a murder might make it more readable. I was wrong....well, for the first half of the book anyway. I actually ended up enjoying it but I was so close to DNF it at the beginning (as were several of the other readers in the buddy group). A few people told me to persevere so I did and I'm glad I finished it. However I have to say in my eyes it's not worth the hype but I will say it's beautifully written.
Good Points: The writing and descriptions were lovely, as was the setting. Kya was a very likeable character who you couldn't not root for. I was definitely invested in the plot after the half way point.
Not so Good Points: The beginning was dull, but looking back I guess it was necessary to build up her character. The book jumped years in a single page sometimes so I found it hard to keep up. I'm not keen on stories that span decades...makes it seem like the writing is rushed but the different time lines in each chapter made it more readable. The murder was more like a small sub plot which was disappointing in my eyes.
Overall I wasn't overly impressed with this book. Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you actually enjoy historical fiction not if you're a thriller or murder mystery lover.
Good Points: The writing and descriptions were lovely, as was the setting. Kya was a very likeable character who you couldn't not root for. I was definitely invested in the plot after the half way point.
Not so Good Points: The beginning was dull, but looking back I guess it was necessary to build up her character. The book jumped years in a single page sometimes so I found it hard to keep up. I'm not keen on stories that span decades...makes it seem like the writing is rushed but the different time lines in each chapter made it more readable. The murder was more like a small sub plot which was disappointing in my eyes.
Overall I wasn't overly impressed with this book. Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you actually enjoy historical fiction not if you're a thriller or murder mystery lover.
angiekr's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lizeylu's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this one, listened to it on audible and thoroughly enjoyed the reader and their voices. I definitely didn’t predict the ending, it kind of felt a little rushed in my opinion but it didn’t ruin the whole book. I liked the different timelines (although it was a bit difficult to keep up sometimes when listening to it). Even though I’m usually more interested in the crime aspects of books, I really liked the background on the main characters life that was not crime related.
shagan01's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
geauxgetlit's review against another edition
5.0
Tender
Not at all like any other mystery book. I was completely taken in being so beautifully written that the sights and sounds of the marsh came alive. I cried many times. I only wished it could have continued on.
I LOVED this book so much I have the regular edition and just bought the deluxe edition! The author heightened all my senses with her beautiful prose. My grandparents lived on an island in the swamp and marsh area and this book took me right back to that time and place. She nailed the details perfectly! Plus it added a little mystery to it, which is my favorite genre.
Not at all like any other mystery book. I was completely taken in being so beautifully written that the sights and sounds of the marsh came alive. I cried many times. I only wished it could have continued on.
I LOVED this book so much I have the regular edition and just bought the deluxe edition! The author heightened all my senses with her beautiful prose. My grandparents lived on an island in the swamp and marsh area and this book took me right back to that time and place. She nailed the details perfectly! Plus it added a little mystery to it, which is my favorite genre.
loganmay820's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
misslonely85's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve been waiting for this book for six months at my library, and I wish I had read it sooner because it's a beautiful novel. It took me a little while to really appreciate Kya, but once she grew up, the story interested me more and more until I couldn’t wait to read the next page. The descriptions in this book are vivid and bring us to the marsh. Of course, To kill a mockingbird comes to mind, like Faulkner. It’s a book I’ll probably read again because there’s so much to assimilate, so much to feel.
incaseofbookishness's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
hannahgardner's review against another edition
4.0
If you can get through the first 25%, it gets to the actual story line. The world building is very long.