A review by reading_ani
The Darlings of the Asylum by Noel O'Reilly

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I found this book quite interesting. I’ve spent quite a lot of time studying the phenomena of the “angel of the house” that was prevalent during the 19th century and that’s also why the premise of this book drew me in, but I have to say that the plot twist in a sort of way “destroyed” a good chunk of the amusement of the book. When the plot twist happened, I fully expected the rest of the book to revolve around that and ESPECIALLY that it would be more implemented and a recurring theme, but unfortunately it was only mentioned once and then never used again?! Considering how the book ended and the feministic approach it took with THAT ending, I’m disappointed as the book could’ve 100% functioned without that twist. And actually, if one were to remove it, there would have been no change in the story (which is a clear indicator for it being unnecessary!), on the contrary, it would have even made the book’s message much more powerful.