Scan barcode
A review by scalpelsandstories
The Girls by Emma Cline
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Emma Cline's novel is a haunting exploration of girlhood, desire, and the allure of a dark and dangerous world. Set against the backdrop of the late 1960s, the novel transports readers to the summer of 1969, a time of cultural upheaval and the rise of the notorious Manson Family.
The story revolves around Evie a 14 year-old girl grappling with the complexities of adolescence and a sense of loneliness and alienation. Drawn to a group of free-spirited and enigmatic young women who belong to a cult led by the Russell, Evie becomes inexorably entangled in their world. As a young, naive girl she never stands a chance. However, the novel weaves back and forth between Evie's past and her present, offering a profound insight into the consequences of her choices. the complexities of adolescence and a sense of loneliness.
As you’re reading, you want to reach out to young Evie so many times to protect the young vulnerable girl from the allure of the cult. Cline is able to portray the turbulent emotions of girlhood so well through her captivating writing. Through her writing, you can almost imagine what it was like to be a young girl in 1960s California. This is a beautiful, dark portrayal of humanity and toxic relationships.
This book is definitely again not a light read nor for everyone but I truly enjoyed reading about this time period. This uneasy narrative pushed my thoughts outside of my normal comfort zone in the best way.
The story revolves around Evie a 14 year-old girl grappling with the complexities of adolescence and a sense of loneliness and alienation. Drawn to a group of free-spirited and enigmatic young women who belong to a cult led by the Russell, Evie becomes inexorably entangled in their world. As a young, naive girl she never stands a chance. However, the novel weaves back and forth between Evie's past and her present, offering a profound insight into the consequences of her choices. the complexities of adolescence and a sense of loneliness.
As you’re reading, you want to reach out to young Evie so many times to protect the young vulnerable girl from the allure of the cult. Cline is able to portray the turbulent emotions of girlhood so well through her captivating writing. Through her writing, you can almost imagine what it was like to be a young girl in 1960s California. This is a beautiful, dark portrayal of humanity and toxic relationships.
This book is definitely again not a light read nor for everyone but I truly enjoyed reading about this time period. This uneasy narrative pushed my thoughts outside of my normal comfort zone in the best way.