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A review by ericadawson
The Girl in Red by Christina Henry
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The author's sparse and straight to the point writing style was great for a dark retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. It was gorey without being over the top, and I enjoyed Red's character--her flaws were front and center, even if she could be harsh on herself, her family, and potential allies alike.
I enjoyed the voice and the pacing--the story is more about Red and the kind of woman she becomes than it is about her getting to her grandmother's house. Despite the sheer amount of loss she suffers through, the book ends on a very hopeful note. I enjoyed the fact that Red's opening up to other people and allowing herself kindness ends up leading to her making it to her grandmother's house. I like that the author also keeps the plot in perspective--whatever is going on with the world isn't for Red to figure out. She just needs to get somewhere safe.
I enjoyed the voice and the pacing--the story is more about Red and the kind of woman she becomes than it is about her getting to her grandmother's house. Despite the sheer amount of loss she suffers through, the book ends on a very hopeful note. I enjoyed the fact that Red's opening up to other people and allowing herself kindness ends up leading to her making it to her grandmother's house. I like that the author also keeps the plot in perspective--whatever is going on with the world isn't for Red to figure out. She just needs to get somewhere safe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Racism, and Sexual violence
It's a very good but very dense and heavy book! Expect things like blood, stress, and anxiety throughout.