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A review by matchamaker
Reader, I Murdered Him by Betsy Cornwell
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The first half of this book was 10/10, chef’s kiss amazing. I love an insightful reimagining of a classic, an exploration of characters that had disappeared into the background. I loved how the author continued examining the themes of child abuse, loneliness, and dependency that are found in Jane Eyre.
Unfortunately, the story became utterly bewildering in the second half. Adele fancies herself a protector of girls because… she steals trinkets from men? And it’s not an unreliable-narrator-descends-into-madness thing like I thought at first. I’m sure other readers will take issue with the final twist and resolution, but I’m more disappointed in how poorly supported it was, rather than the events in principle: I hadn’t been given enough throughout the story in order to believe it’s ending.
Unfortunately, the story became utterly bewildering in the second half. Adele fancies herself a protector of girls because… she steals trinkets from men? And it’s not an unreliable-narrator-descends-into-madness thing like I thought at first. I’m sure other readers will take issue with the final twist and resolution, but I’m more disappointed in how poorly supported it was, rather than the events in principle: I hadn’t been given enough throughout the story in order to believe it’s ending.