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A review by frank_atlas
Playground by Aron Beauregard
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Another solid one from Aron Beauregard.
*not spoilers exactly but I do mention aspect of character development*
I really liked how it really dove into themes of childhood trauma, Stockholm Syndrome, and familial relationships. The characters did fall into stereotype/trope territory, but despite that they still felt really fleshed out. They could have easily been forgettable and only there to meet a gruesome demise, but each of them felt well developed. The book does jump back and forth between the kids and parents which did make the pacing feel a bit clunky at times and kind of curbed some momentum after a few scenes, but overall still a pretty well paced book. I was surprised at how emotional this book was too, it is much more than just gratuitous violence, but a well structured storyline. The character development in this was fascinating as well, the way the kids begins with such a childlike demeanor and as the “playground” progresses they almost adopt a more adult approach to their situation. I honestly didn’t feel that it was as gruesome as people were making it out to be, and while it still is a very graphic and disturbing book, I believe it’s still a pretty accessible book and wouldn’t be a bad start if someone wants to get into splatter-punk.
Pro: Good exploration of themes, interesting characters, surprisingly emotionally charged storyline, fascinating character development
Cons: Pacing was off at times and there’s a few aspects of the story I wish it would have expanded on.
*not spoilers exactly but I do mention aspect of character development*
I really liked how it really dove into themes of childhood trauma, Stockholm Syndrome, and familial relationships. The characters did fall into stereotype/trope territory, but despite that they still felt really fleshed out. They could have easily been forgettable and only there to meet a gruesome demise, but each of them felt well developed. The book does jump back and forth between the kids and parents which did make the pacing feel a bit clunky at times and kind of curbed some momentum after a few scenes, but overall still a pretty well paced book. I was surprised at how emotional this book was too, it is much more than just gratuitous violence, but a well structured storyline. The character development in this was fascinating as well, the way the kids begins with such a childlike demeanor and as the “playground” progresses they almost adopt a more adult approach to their situation. I honestly didn’t feel that it was as gruesome as people were making it out to be, and while it still is a very graphic and disturbing book, I believe it’s still a pretty accessible book and wouldn’t be a bad start if someone wants to get into splatter-punk.
Pro: Good exploration of themes, interesting characters, surprisingly emotionally charged storyline, fascinating character development
Cons: Pacing was off at times and there’s a few aspects of the story I wish it would have expanded on.