aparisoriginal's review against another edition
2.0
My least favorite of Alice Hoffman's canon. It lacks all of the magical realism I've come to love and expect from her. For a female writer who writes dynamic, interesting and/or strong female characters, the female lead in Blue Diary was none of those things. I didn't hate it, but I have read and re-read many of Hoffman's books, and this one I struggled to get through the first time.
dutchtineke's review
3.0
A nice enough book, but the ending felt unfinished and I had expected it to be much more thriller-like.
rj42's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Aside from her young adult fiction, Alice Hoffman is also one of the best modern chroniclers of the contradictions and complications of small town American life. Blue Diary is darker than most of her work but it radiates her trademark humanity and insight and the thriller-like aspects of its plot make it even more compelling. The central character is Ethan Ford, a seemingly perfect father, husband and volunteer firefighter who it transpires may have murdered a young girl years before. We follow his family, friends and, ultimately, the entire town as their lives unravel, sides are chosen and emotions are shattered. Hoffman's descriptive powers are a delight, but ultimately it is the characters' emotions, reactions and frailties that are so believable and authentic.
calli's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brennasjohnson'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? Yes
2.75
kittykatzach's review against another edition
5.0
Complex and emotionally challenging, I couldn't put this book down. Excellent novel.
gievlos's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
amc70's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Finally! I finished this book. I have really enjoyed some of Alice Hoffman’s work and love magical realism such Joanne Harris’ Chocolate series or anything by Sarah Addison Allen. This book was just a slog for me; I even considered not finishing, but that just isn’t me. I appreciated Hoffmans use of symbolism and foreshadowing which is why I did finish and gave this book the rating I did. Unfortunately, I will not be sharing this one.