A review by skconaghan
The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Excellent character development amid a twisty plot against a horrific yet gorgeous Tuscan backdrop; and it kept me guessing... Complex storytelling sets hints and leaves trails, yet doesn’t insult the reader’s intelligence by wrapping it up and trying a bow. There are enough clues to surmise who the killer might be, but such a layered drama surrounding the main plot (very much true to life, especially at that dark time in the history of European geopolitical landscape) that the suspects are numerous until the end.

(As will be noted by the 1-2 star reviews, this literary work is not for weak stomachs or vapid minds as the plot is intricately woven between two meticulously ornate timelines and delves into the terrors of war and the mind of a serial killer in its unravelling of fictional events based on recent history.)