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A review by mformato
We Are All Completely Fine by Daryl Gregory
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This wasn't the worst book I read, but it wasn't the best either. I was curious enough to finish it, but I didn't enjoy the ride. I'm glad it was a novella, because I don't think I would have pushed through if it was a full length book, but at the same time I wish that many part of it were better explained.
One main gripe was that the story is told to the readers with a spoken "We" about the characters over and over but I never felt like the group was close enough to share a like minded omniscience to them to narrate the story. Also I felt the characters were pretty one dimensional despite the fact that all being trauma victims they could have had way more depth to them. I never felt any care or concern for any of them. The characters also knew more than the readers during most of the book, which could be interesting if the reveals were done better.
I did like how, in hindsight, the author did have some decent foreshadowing; but at other points the clues he was leaving were just horribly obvious.
All in all, not the worst book to read through in a day but I can't see myself recommending it to anyone.
One main gripe was that the story is told to the readers with a spoken "We" about the characters over and over but I never felt like the group was close enough to share a like minded omniscience to them to narrate the story. Also I felt the characters were pretty one dimensional despite the fact that all being trauma victims they could have had way more depth to them. I never felt any care or concern for any of them. The characters also knew more than the readers during most of the book, which could be interesting if the reveals were done better.
I did like how, in hindsight, the author did have some decent foreshadowing; but at other points the clues he was leaving were just horribly obvious.
All in all, not the worst book to read through in a day but I can't see myself recommending it to anyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Self harm, Suicide, Torture, Cannibalism, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness, Medical trauma, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis