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kaylo88's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What an absolute delight! The author, Kidd, possesses an incredible talent for seamlessly blending genres to create a world where the otherworldly seems totally normal. I was thoroughly impressed by how the author crafted this world.
What really stood out to me was the protagonist of the story, Maud. She has been hired to assist an old giant of a man, Mr. Flood, who lives in a massive mansion. He is a hoarder and even has a collection of feral cats. I was fascinated by how the author portrayed the character of Mr. Flood. The mystery surrounding him, his wife, and daughter was so well written that I was hooked instantly. Despite him being a moody, grumpy, and often rude old man, my heart went out to him. I could see how the relationship between Maud and him developed over time.
Maud also has a mystery of her own that she's trying to figure out while being surrounded by saints who appear and disappear at will. I was especially intrigued by Saint Valentine, who had eyes that moved independently from each other. It was hard to believe that I would enjoy a book with saints that could only be seen by the protagonist and who sometimes gave advice and other times couldn't do anything. However, the author's clever writing style really sucked me in, and I was completely immersed in the story.
Needless to say, I will definitely be on the lookout for more books from this incredibly talented author.
What really stood out to me was the protagonist of the story, Maud. She has been hired to assist an old giant of a man, Mr. Flood, who lives in a massive mansion. He is a hoarder and even has a collection of feral cats. I was fascinated by how the author portrayed the character of Mr. Flood. The mystery surrounding him, his wife, and daughter was so well written that I was hooked instantly. Despite him being a moody, grumpy, and often rude old man, my heart went out to him. I could see how the relationship between Maud and him developed over time.
Maud also has a mystery of her own that she's trying to figure out while being surrounded by saints who appear and disappear at will. I was especially intrigued by Saint Valentine, who had eyes that moved independently from each other. It was hard to believe that I would enjoy a book with saints that could only be seen by the protagonist and who sometimes gave advice and other times couldn't do anything. However, the author's clever writing style really sucked me in, and I was completely immersed in the story.
Needless to say, I will definitely be on the lookout for more books from this incredibly talented author.
carolyn0613's review
5.0
I loved this book. Maud Drennan is a carer for the elderly and cantankerous Cathal Flood who lives in a large house filled with rubbish. Maud's job is to clean, feed and care for Cathal. Slowly the tale unravels, with a mystery being conjured out of Maud and her eccentric landlady Renata's overactive imaginations. The mystery is not what the story is about (although is very entertaining) but for me it was all about the relationships formed. The book is wonderfully written and the characters jump off the page into your head. Recommend it. (ARC from NetGalley)
teii's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
sanfordc11's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ceddina's review against another edition
5.0
There has never been another book that could make me love a grumpy, old giant the way this one did.
Mysterious, secretive and pretty funny at some points!
Mysterious, secretive and pretty funny at some points!
ibby97's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
pujadev's review against another edition
4.0
I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Its quirky & strange in a good way. It has a lot of magic realism in this book which may not be everyone's cup of tea.
katel1970's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the creativity in this book. Every time the author had Maud refer to the Great Wall of National Geographics, I chuckled. I didn't love everything about the ending, but I still adored this book. Will definitely add this author to my must read list.
mooncrab's review against another edition
4.0
This book is so unique and cool. I really liked it! Like others have said, it is a bit slow to start; however, in hindsight, the slow build is very appropriate and doesn’t drag on. The mood of the story parallels Maud’s experience in the house: slowly walking up steps, around corners, unveiling clues and deepening mysteries. There’s the perfect mix of plot & character driving the story forward. I love the use of esotericism and the overall effect it has on the book; the saints and psychic happenings are my favourite parts of the story. This is one of those books that I feel gets better every time you read it. I would definitely read it again and recommend it especially if you’re into tarot and spirits.