A review by ebonysbookshelf
Naomi's Room by Jonathan Aycliffe
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was such a fun, quick little read and I thoroughly needed something like this to get out of my reading slump (and to work with my crazy schedule!). I finished this within a day - it was very atmospheric and creepy.
The language is very flowery at times, and extremely heightened - but this does add to the charm and makes it feel like a proper old ghost tale.
I think the first half really hooked me. I couldn’t put it down, however as the conclusion drew nearer I did start to feel slightly disappointed. Not sure why completely, even upon reflection and taking my time to gather thoughts. I just loved that the first half was a true haunting and was super eery, and though it definitely remained ghost orientated it started to feel a little too forced maybe? I didn’t care for the build up and Charles’ arc - some 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 he did toward to the end really just felt gratuitous almost and there for the shock value instead of aiding the story. It swayed a little too into something more paranormal/possession-like than I would’ve preferred.
Naomi’s Room has definitely highlighted that I just want to read a proper good haunting ghost story. Looking forward to finding one - any suggestions welcome!
The language is very flowery at times, and extremely heightened - but this does add to the charm and makes it feel like a proper old ghost tale.
I think the first half really hooked me. I couldn’t put it down, however as the conclusion drew nearer I did start to feel slightly disappointed. Not sure why completely, even upon reflection and taking my time to gather thoughts. I just loved that the first half was a true haunting and was super eery, and though it definitely remained ghost orientated it started to feel a little too forced maybe? I didn’t care for the build up and Charles’ arc - some 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 he did toward to the end really just felt gratuitous almost and there for the shock value instead of aiding the story. It swayed a little too into something more paranormal/possession-like than I would’ve preferred.
Naomi’s Room has definitely highlighted that I just want to read a proper good haunting ghost story. Looking forward to finding one - any suggestions welcome!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Murder, and Torture
Moderate: Incest and Rape