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A review by amarylissw
Minders by Michele Jaffe
5.0
4.5 stars. I liked this a lot more than I thought I would.
So, characters first.
We're treated to a fresh new protagonist -- one who, at first, seems quite ruthless in her driven attempts to succeed. However, at the story progressed, while I did like Sadie's observations of things, her progression from "analytical and serious" to "passionate and loving" seemed more contrived. She falls in love with Ford, but other than a few snapshots of her seeing his kindness, passion, and ability to construct beauty, there's not really a reason why. Honestly, if I were in his head, I would feel a bit weird -- a bit too close to my "subject." I would've liked to see a bit more progression as to when her feelings changed from friendly to liking to loving.
Our other main character, Ford, is wonderful. We're warned from the beginning that he could have criminal aspects to him -- and Sadie knows what she's getting into. But even so, Jaffe has managed to create such a brilliant character full of depth and passion. Since we narrators: Sadie and Ford. It was such an incredible take on it that I was fully intrigued the whole time.
There were several other characters, too, that were interesting and sometimes even likeable in their own way.
(As a negative, though, it seemed to me that some of the characters should've been left out. Like Sadie's boyfriend.)
As for plot, the book was a bit slow at first, but once you get into Ford's mind -- that part blew me away. Jaffe's writing and perception of the mind is incredible. The ending itself seemed a bit hurried and maybe even a bit confusing, but as the gaps were filled, plotlines resolved, I had to shake my head in wonder as I remembered all those little hints Jaffe had given us in the story that finally led to the ending. Very well plotted.
But I do wish that
I wish we'd had a bit more in the setting. Clearly, we have some awesome technology that allows us to see inside others' minds. But what other technological advances have we made? The book doesn't really go into that. No new modes of transportation or work stuff or anything. However, this doesn't bother me that much, as I'm too involved in the plot.
As mentioned above, Jaffe's writing is great. Especially the descriptions of the mind. So original and refreshing.
So, overall, well-developed characters, a plot that won't let you go, and such a unique concept -- I loved this book.
So, characters first.
We're treated to a fresh new protagonist -- one who, at first, seems quite ruthless in her driven attempts to succeed. However, at the story progressed, while I did like Sadie's observations of things, her progression from "analytical and serious" to "passionate and loving" seemed more contrived. She falls in love with Ford, but other than a few snapshots of her seeing his kindness, passion, and ability to construct beauty, there's not really a reason why. Honestly, if I were in his head, I would feel a bit weird -- a bit too close to my "subject." I would've liked to see a bit more progression as to when her feelings changed from friendly to liking to loving.
Our other main character, Ford, is wonderful. We're warned from the beginning that he could have criminal aspects to him -- and Sadie knows what she's getting into. But even so, Jaffe has managed to create such a brilliant character full of depth and passion. Since we narrators: Sadie and Ford. It was such an incredible take on it that I was fully intrigued the whole time.
There were several other characters, too, that were interesting and sometimes even likeable in their own way.
(As a negative, though, it seemed to me that some of the characters should've been left out. Like Sadie's boyfriend.)
As for plot, the book was a bit slow at first, but once you get into Ford's mind -- that part blew me away. Jaffe's writing and perception of the mind is incredible. The ending itself seemed a bit hurried and maybe even a bit confusing, but as the gaps were filled, plotlines resolved, I had to shake my head in wonder as I remembered all those little hints Jaffe had given us in the story that finally led to the ending. Very well plotted.
But I do wish that
Spoiler
it was explained more how Ford began to accept Sadie (and maybe even start liking her?). I mean, one minute, when she was in his head, he was threatening to do all sorts of things to get her out. Then, she saves his life (granted), and he's suddenly is fine with her. He even says he wants to see her. Yeah, I didn't really get the sudden change.I wish we'd had a bit more in the setting. Clearly, we have some awesome technology that allows us to see inside others' minds. But what other technological advances have we made? The book doesn't really go into that. No new modes of transportation or work stuff or anything. However, this doesn't bother me that much, as I'm too involved in the plot.
As mentioned above, Jaffe's writing is great. Especially the descriptions of the mind. So original and refreshing.
So, overall, well-developed characters, a plot that won't let you go, and such a unique concept -- I loved this book.