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ltayloruk3's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
definebookish's review
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thriller_mh's review
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
2.5
beriboo's review
4.0
Review: Uncle Paul by Celia Fremlin
Rating: ★★★★☆
I recently finished *Uncle Paul* by Celia Fremlin, and I’d rate it a solid 4 stars. Fremlin has a knack for creating an incredibly steady, haunting atmosphere that builds tension throughout the book, purely based on the characters' fear. It’s a masterclass in psychological suspense.
From the very beginning, you can feel the unease creeping in. Fremlin's writing is subtle but powerful, and she manages to make you feel scared even though nothing dramatic happens until the very end. That’s the genius of it – the way she uses atmosphere to keep you on edge. You’re constantly waiting for something to happen, and that anticipation is what makes the book so gripping.
Some readers might be put off by the fact that the "action" doesn’t kick in until the final chapters, but for me, that’s what made it so effective. It’s a slow burn that pays off in spades. You’re drawn into the characters' fears and anxieties, and by the time the climax arrives, you’re fully invested and genuinely spooked.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that rely on atmosphere and character development rather than nonstop action, Uncle Paul is definitely worth a read. Celia Fremlin’s ability to create tension out of thin air is truly impressive.
Rating: ★★★★☆
I recently finished *Uncle Paul* by Celia Fremlin, and I’d rate it a solid 4 stars. Fremlin has a knack for creating an incredibly steady, haunting atmosphere that builds tension throughout the book, purely based on the characters' fear. It’s a masterclass in psychological suspense.
From the very beginning, you can feel the unease creeping in. Fremlin's writing is subtle but powerful, and she manages to make you feel scared even though nothing dramatic happens until the very end. That’s the genius of it – the way she uses atmosphere to keep you on edge. You’re constantly waiting for something to happen, and that anticipation is what makes the book so gripping.
Some readers might be put off by the fact that the "action" doesn’t kick in until the final chapters, but for me, that’s what made it so effective. It’s a slow burn that pays off in spades. You’re drawn into the characters' fears and anxieties, and by the time the climax arrives, you’re fully invested and genuinely spooked.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that rely on atmosphere and character development rather than nonstop action, Uncle Paul is definitely worth a read. Celia Fremlin’s ability to create tension out of thin air is truly impressive.
liz74's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really cannot understand why this book has received such good reviews. Very dull and s tedious read
sophiepooper's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
josepht61's review
5.0
A true masterpiece in tension and thriller. It has you tense and wanting to find out more right until the final pages.
bookreader_homemaker's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mish_r's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
carlat22's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was tense at times, but there was also plenty of humour throughout. The descriptions of people and situations during the 'holiday' were vivid and fun. A super mix of humour and threat, that kept me wondering whether the threat was real, up to the end.