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henrygravesprince's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.75
The first 75% was frustrating, but at least competent as far as a domestic thriller goes. The last 25% was however shaping up to be a very solid ending—the last scene, where there’s a second twist, however, ruined it for me. The narrative clearly showed Richard as a manipulative, garbage husband, and I find the concept of Chloe’s motivation ridiculous; that was part of why I disliked the first 75%, but the way the ending with her grandmother nails it in is ridiculous. Overall, it makes Chloe feel like a weird misogynistic caricature. There’s also a lot of ableist sentiment throughout the book from pretty much every character. In particular, as someone who has been institutionalized and traumatized by it, the lense used to portray Chloe as having to either have been evil or falsely sent there was very stigmatizing and just kind of hurt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Ableism, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Child death, and Death of parent
Minor: Fatphobia, Infidelity, Murder, Suicide, and Fire/Fire injury
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