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tankytoon's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
There needs to be a balance of good writing and good plot. Not to say that this book didn't have a good plot, but the first half of the book was really just a love letter to the city of Venice, which I didn't sign up for, nor really care that much. I would have DNF'd this book if it wasn't someone's thoughtful gift for me, and apparently this was raved about by the staff at the bookstore.
The writing was certainly superb, but nothing much was going on and Nick wasn't really a likeable character, in my opinion, choosing the wayward Clay over the stable Ari who has been nothing but kind to him. The second half of the book is where the action begins, and certainly a commendable effort by both Nick and Clay in the con. The twists and turns at the final stretches of the book could not make up for the slow dredging that went before it. It's akin to an old, vintage car that could not start, and when it did, meandered slowly in the beginning, only accelerating towards the end and sputters. Some might appreciate this, but I did not.
The only consolation is that the the novel imparts some values on how appearances can be deceiving.
A Beautiful Crime demonstrates that first impressions aren't always real and neither are people's assumptions of others are always true.
The writing was certainly superb, but nothing much was going on and Nick wasn't really a likeable character, in my opinion, choosing the wayward Clay over the stable Ari who has been nothing but kind to him. The second half of the book is where the action begins, and certainly a commendable effort by both Nick and Clay in the con. The twists and turns at the final stretches of the book could not make up for the slow dredging that went before it. It's akin to an old, vintage car that could not start, and when it did, meandered slowly in the beginning, only accelerating towards the end and sputters. Some might appreciate this, but I did not.
The only consolation is that the the novel imparts some values on how appearances can be deceiving.
A Beautiful Crime demonstrates that first impressions aren't always real and neither are people's assumptions of others are always true.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Murder, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, and Terminal illness
brom's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
This is not one of those books whose main characters just happen to be queer, and it’s also not one about the struggles of being queer. Yet none of this would work if they were straight.
The characters are intriguing, and complicated and so very human.
The story unravels itself more and more over time until you finally get the full picture.
And I found myself cheering on the main characters and their con very fast, only occasionally anxious if they’ll manage to pull it off.
Absolutely picturesque setting, stunning imagery and an unexpected glimpse into the lives of our queer ancestors.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Terminal illness, and Death
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Murder, Infidelity, and Addiction
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