A review by annalouise
Adèle by Leïla Slimani

2.75

Interesting characters, but I feel not enough is done with them. The story is a constant cycle of bad to better, and while the ambiguous ending perhaps symbolises a breaking of this cycle, it does so in a way which is as unsatisfactory as death. The reader wishes to learn about Adèle's future. That does not happen. I don't think there is any chance at change for her when we have seen the denial and paranoia both she and Richard live under by the end of the novel. Her desire towards objectivity is perhaps the most interesting theme in the book, however, again, I don't think it is developed well. While I liked the novel, I feel as though had it been longer and more developed, it would be a more compelling story.