A review by stewartj0421
The Silent Bride by Shalini Boland
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really enjoyed the plot of the story, and this is what kept me going to the end. I wasn’t a fan of the way many of the characters were written, and I often felt that they had strange reactions to things. For example, I think Daisy is a terrible friend to Alice throughout the book, despite them supposedly being lifelong friends.
There are also many loose threads that either don’t get wrapped up, or get explained away right at the end rather than the audience actually getting to “see” the resolution. Alice’s familiar issues are a prime example of the author telling rather than showing.
I didn’t predict the ending at all, which was wonderful. I ultimately do not regret reading the book, but I wish many things about it were different so that it could have been a more enjoyable read.
There are also many loose threads that either don’t get wrapped up, or get explained away right at the end rather than the audience actually getting to “see” the resolution. Alice’s familiar issues are a prime example of the author telling rather than showing.
I didn’t predict the ending at all, which was wonderful. I ultimately do not regret reading the book, but I wish many things about it were different so that it could have been a more enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Emotional abuse, Cursing, Alcohol, Violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, Misogyny, and Death
Minor: Stalking, Physical abuse, and Infidelity