Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Ghost Lover

Lisa Taddeo’s writing is so unique, succinct and impactful. I reread sentences multiple times just to keep chewing on them because I like the taste. She’s relentless.

Women are always the focus of her writing, and through various women’s experiences, she uncovers the darkest pieces of living in society as a woman—the fatphobia, blatant misogyny and stereotypes can be a lot to get through. But isn’t that the reality? It’s through these unlikablw characters thoughts that’s we get to unpack the filth and darkest sides of humanity. Definite trigger warnings though.

Content Warnings

davyeyhavock's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny sad fast-paced

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

3.5

I have never read anything by this author and put this one at the top of my TBR pile as soon as I came across it. I listened to these short stories on audio - which is read by a full cast and fantastic. Each story has a different lead that is just as unlikeable as the one before it. The synopsis describes perfectly how each give their own take on obsession, blindness of love, and grief.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the writing - the ability to capture a great amount of detail and portray numerous feelings through each experience is great skill.

These stories are chaotic and depressing - which I'm gathering is to be expected by this author. My favorites were: Maid Marian and Suburban Weekend. While I couldn't relate to the actions of these characters, you could feel the desperation through the pages and it forced you to go through the ugliness with them.

I will definitely be moving on to read other books by this author.

Content Warnings

travelseatsreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional slow-paced

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

2.0

I absolutely head over heels loved Animal so I jumped at the chance to read Ghost Lover. Unfortunately, while I still adored Lisa Taddeo's prose and writing style I just couldn't connect with any of these short stories and it just didn't do anything for me. Without a doubt she is an outstanding artist who has the innate ability of weaving some gritty and raw narratives, I just wish for Ghost Lover she moved away from the rich privileged white female.

9 individual stories told in Taddeo's sharp, unrelenting and gritty style, evocative but just not gripping.

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