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A review by akira_outofthegravity
The Long Call by Ann Cleeves
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
A really good read!! Took me a while to get into it but I really enjoyed it. This is my first Ann Cleeves work (outside of the tv series of Vera) and I have to say it’s no wonder how they’re adapted so well. Cleeves’ style is very matter of fact, which takes some getting used to- I like flowery writing myself, but it seemed appropriate for the subject matter I suppose.
As for the plot I have to say I’m very proud of myself for guessing most of who’s involved. The final “twist” -if you can call it that- had me both repulsed and also wondering how I could have missed it. I loved the themes of abuse in this book, doesn’t sugar coat it, Cleeves distinctly calls out the homophobia and covert homophobia (referring to Jon as Matts “partner”, the harassment of women - particularly disabled women, as well as the infantilisation of disabled women and those with mental illness. As someone with mental illness I thought that point was particularly interesting.
The saviour complex shown by the characters is really interesting, and Cleeves calls it out in no uncertain terms. I thought Ross was really interesting, being this spoiled brat, essentially, but who’s actually being manipulated (at least in some capacity) by his boss who he feels in debt to. I liked him more by the end, and I feel like he’ll get some more development as the series goes on.
Jen was also very interesting. A very judgemental woman who’s actively trying to better herself, while struggling with being a woman on the force. Her relating everything to her domestic abuse (I suppose PTSD, even if it’s never outright stated) gave a lot of depth to the character and you could really feel her anger, and her desperation to get on with her kids. Again, I liked her more as the book went on, I loved that she was angry. Seems like we never get angry women, and it was a breath of fresh air.
I’m a little uncertain about Jon, there were a couple of points where I was hoping that what Cleeves was alluding to was in fact residue from Matts childhood (not being demanding with Jon, Jon losing his temper, etc) and not hints that their relationship was actually abusive. I’m hoping I’m misinterpreting it. But as a gay reader I’m constantly scared that the gay characters will be thrown under the bus. Nevertheless I’m excited to read the next book, and to watch the series which starts next week! (Monday the 23rd October).
As for the plot I have to say I’m very proud of myself for guessing most of who’s involved. The final “twist” -if you can call it that- had me both repulsed and also wondering how I could have missed it. I loved the themes of abuse in this book, doesn’t sugar coat it, Cleeves distinctly calls out the homophobia and covert homophobia (referring to Jon as Matts “partner”, the harassment of women - particularly disabled women, as well as the infantilisation of disabled women and those with mental illness. As someone with mental illness I thought that point was particularly interesting.
The saviour complex shown by the characters is really interesting, and Cleeves calls it out in no uncertain terms. I thought Ross was really interesting, being this spoiled brat, essentially, but who’s actually being manipulated (at least in some capacity) by his boss who he feels in debt to. I liked him more by the end, and I feel like he’ll get some more development as the series goes on.
Jen was also very interesting. A very judgemental woman who’s actively trying to better herself, while struggling with being a woman on the force. Her relating everything to her domestic abuse (I suppose PTSD, even if it’s never outright stated) gave a lot of depth to the character and you could really feel her anger, and her desperation to get on with her kids. Again, I liked her more as the book went on, I loved that she was angry. Seems like we never get angry women, and it was a breath of fresh air.
I’m a little uncertain about Jon, there were a couple of points where I was hoping that what Cleeves was alluding to was in fact residue from Matts childhood (not being demanding with Jon, Jon losing his temper, etc) and not hints that their relationship was actually abusive. I’m hoping I’m misinterpreting it. But as a gay reader I’m constantly scared that the gay characters will be thrown under the bus. Nevertheless I’m excited to read the next book, and to watch the series which starts next week! (Monday the 23rd October).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Gaslighting
Minor: Child death and Death of parent