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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
“But maybe it’s a mistake to go around comparing pain and trying to make it match up.” p. 260
What an unexpected & brilliant novel. Finn manages to included multiple POVs (including a complete shift in storytelling half way through) without sacrificing the depth of each character or the intricacies of their relationships to one another. Weaving a web in which many characters and plot points come together can end up feeling overdone and stale. Finn deftly avoids this and, to put it simply, it’s remarkable.
The topics and various plots are heavy—centering around the death of children and the ways in which grief manifests—but in the concluding chapters, everything breaks open. The sense of healing and resolution grow into such a euphoric conclusion that it felt like the ending of a comedy.
This is a book that will sit with me for a long time.
What an unexpected & brilliant novel. Finn manages to included multiple POVs (including a complete shift in storytelling half way through) without sacrificing the depth of each character or the intricacies of their relationships to one another. Weaving a web in which many characters and plot points come together can end up feeling overdone and stale. Finn deftly avoids this and, to put it simply, it’s remarkable.
The topics and various plots are heavy—centering around the death of children and the ways in which grief manifests—but in the concluding chapters, everything breaks open. The sense of healing and resolution grow into such a euphoric conclusion that it felt like the ending of a comedy.
This is a book that will sit with me for a long time.
This book takes a wild turn about halfway through. Instead of following that course, it starts veering off. I would have liked to go down the path of weirdness that was set up in the first half. The last chapter in particular feels odd. But maybe it is supposed to feel like pieces are coming off the story, like the story is a car and parts start flying off due to the turbulence of driving.
The one set in Africa, I can’t remember which country. Woman runs from a dreadful past into a dreadful future. Older detective guy falls in love with her. Multiple perspectives and inevitable consequences.
Meh.
Meh.
3.5 stars for this gritty read. a book that is dark, gripping. following a woman as she goes through different stages of what I think is both grief and guilt. I would say it isn't an easy read but it is definitely one that draws you in. I was left almost in a state of shock when I got to the end, not quite knowing what to think/feel. It had an air of mystery and some chapters were almost haunting. If you are looking for a light hearted read then this isn't it but one that you should pick up when you feel like being deep in thought.
Loved the multiple perspectives and the different settings. This is just the type of mystery/thriller that I enjoy. The way all the storylines tied together was nifty and not something that I necessarily needed to happen, but found interesting. I will definitely read more by Finn. And, of course, Two Dollar Radio.
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Suicide
Minor: Rape
I found it to be kinda long-winded and dragging on at some points, and not even in a good way. The structure and the way the chapters are arranged is cool though, even if I didn't understand the ending at all. I found the characters bland and hated them tbh, plus the killer was really obvious halfway through (is that supposed to be that way or...?) But yeah, all in all, hated it but thought it was something I could learn from.
I don't remember why I picked it up, but this novel reminded me a bit of Lisa Halliday's Asymmetry. For me, it functioned both as a travelogue (of sorts) and a mystery, told from various perspectives. Despite the fact that all characters involved are confronting extreme personal tragedy, I enjoyed reading it very much.