Scan barcode
A review by princessdana36
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.5
This book gave me a full blown anxiety attack. There were so many twists, turns, and unreliable narrators that I couldn't keep track (well, I could, but I just didn't want to! Whom can you trust in a book like this!) Gone Girl has nothing on this book. Sure, Gone Girl was better written, but this book elicited more visceral reactions than Gone Girl. I haven't even compared anything to that book since all psychological dramas/thrillers started comparing themselves to Gone Girl. I think the writing has to be improved. It needed some polish and another pass through with an editor, but the imagery was solid. Some of the phrasing was a little unprofessional, but it painted a vivid picture. All in all, not a pleasant book, but a readable one.
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Torture, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship