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lauraborkpower's review against another edition
4.0
This is one fine vampire novel. But it's so much more than that because of the way Lindqvist treats his characters and the way he navigates the narrative. Although there are two central protagonists--Oskar and Eli (and one could make an argument for Håkan as a third)--Lindqvist treats the baker's dozen or so minor characters (and the dozen or so more really minor characters) with just as much care. There are no bad guys; there are no throwaway characters. There are angry children from broken homes trying to hold on to some particle of a remembered happiness, even if it's only a secondhand remembrance; there are boys trying to navigate school and the castes that come with any lunchroom, classroom, field-trip, or after school activity; there are lonely adults seeking out like-minded souls in hopes of making their days and nights less isolated; there is even a squirrel looking for a nut who is a minor (very minor) character for about a page.
But because of the omniscient narrative Lindqvist uses, the reader gets insight into each and every one of the characters and feels at least at bit of sympathy, and sometimes empathy, for each, even if their actions are unfortunate, mistaken, misunderstood, or just plain despicable. And Lindqvist's ability to create this effect ultimately shows that he is both interested in and has the ability to observe, understand, and explain human behavior. So although this is, technically, a vampire novel, it's a great character study and commentary about adolescence, nostalgia, human nature, suburban living, and the ability to do violence.
But because of the omniscient narrative Lindqvist uses, the reader gets insight into each and every one of the characters and feels at least at bit of sympathy, and sometimes empathy, for each, even if their actions are unfortunate, mistaken, misunderstood, or just plain despicable. And Lindqvist's ability to create this effect ultimately shows that he is both interested in and has the ability to observe, understand, and explain human behavior. So although this is, technically, a vampire novel, it's a great character study and commentary about adolescence, nostalgia, human nature, suburban living, and the ability to do violence.
brigii's review against another edition
I only remember bits and pieces (not enough to rate the book) but I was definitely too young for it.
virgil12's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sarahdelaemery's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
soupgirl9's review against another edition
2.0
this book could have been a really awesome novella if it wasn't diffused with 350 pages of unnecessary side characters drinking, dying, and fighting. the only one i was actually interested in was virginia but anything interesting about her plotline was squashed with 150 pages still left in the book. not enough vampires and too much pedophilia -_-
suneaters's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
2.0
This book is honestly kinda depressing. It felt like a lot of the bad things that happen are for shock value and add nothing to the story. Did we need Eli’s caretaker Hakan to be a pedophile? Just so we don’t, what, feel bad when he dies horribly? He’s already killing kids! It was so bizarre. And if we really do need it, why do we need his gross side quest assaulting some poor kid with no teeth in the bathroom? Just horrendous stuff.
There were too many storylines that ultimately go nowhere (the drunks and Virginia especially and Tommy’s POV bits) and mean nothing. The story could’ve been condensed down to only Oskar and Eli.
Speaking of, did we also need all the weirdness of Eli being stuck pretending to be a little girl to entice grown men to do things for him? And the castration flashback? It seemed so…gratuitous.
I wasn’t chilled by this book, just saddened and disgusted. Eli and Oskar’s relationship was very cute and really holds the book together, but there wasn’t really a great story here that makes wading through the muck worth it.
There were too many storylines that ultimately go nowhere (the drunks and Virginia especially and Tommy’s POV bits) and mean nothing. The story could’ve been condensed down to only Oskar and Eli.
I wasn’t chilled by this book, just saddened and disgusted. Eli and Oskar’s relationship was very cute and really holds the book together, but there wasn’t really a great story here that makes wading through the muck worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Sexual content, Bullying, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Rape, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Medical content
bosh's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.0
Let the Right One In by John Lindqvist offers an enjoyable journey through a wide cast of intriguing characters. However, despite its potential, the book falls short of greatness due to a couple of key issues. Firstly, its narrative structure is choppy, frequently shifting between unrelated characters and sequences, disrupting the flow of the story. Secondly, while the final portion sets up for something great, it rushes through significant events, offering only a superficial overview compared to the detailed attention given to smaller, earlier occurrences.
ineffable_bowtie's review against another edition
4.0
Let me start by saying that this book is not for young adults and is not easy to read. There are highly sensitive topics which will make you uncomfortable.
That being said, this is a fantastic story. I finished this book in five days because when I wasn't at work I was reading. Other reviews have provided a synopsis so I won't go into the plot. I will let you know that this book is creepy, disturbing, and entertaining in a way that makes you question if you're sane.
If you like thrillers with touches of romance and are all about vampires, you'll enjoy this.
That being said, this is a fantastic story. I finished this book in five days because when I wasn't at work I was reading. Other reviews have provided a synopsis so I won't go into the plot. I will let you know that this book is creepy, disturbing, and entertaining in a way that makes you question if you're sane.
If you like thrillers with touches of romance and are all about vampires, you'll enjoy this.