A review by alilysong
What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell

dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

2.75 rounded up. generally a fine read that has its many puts and takes. i was on board for most of the beginning. writing is solid and the plot does build suspense, and can appreciate that this book portrays some truly morally grey characters (none of that typical watered down ya stuff, albeit there are caveats to this noted below). 

had some issues with the pacing.

the hurricane and subsequent search sections could have been cut down substantially

. and there’s some head scratching plot points.

a hotelier wants to strike up a partnership with some dude he meets on vacation?? I get that he’s jewish so needs a partner to put a different name on the deed but felt like a sus plot thread

. 

there is also a hyper fixation on physical appearances in this book, which i feel can be severely off putting for folks, though i think it is important in the main character’s journey with her loss of innocence and sexual awakening, etc. 

i do have a major bone to pick with the ending though.

it’s like the author didn’t have the balls to truly lean into the horridness of the characters and had to redeem evie with some morally upright sanctimonious final act. Know it’s written for a ya audience but that’s gonna lose points from me every single time

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