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thisbookbelongstopam's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jelundberg's review against another edition
5.0
It was very difficult to read this novel -- I had no stomach for violence or abuse against children even before I became a father, and I'm exponentially more sensitive to it now -- but at the same time I could not put this down. Horrific and horrifying but compelling in the investigation and especially in the genial relationship between the two priests trying to track down the serial killer. I read the last 50 pages in a rush, muscles clenched the whole time.
_daniedeguzman's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
readelnotdancel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
justjoel's review against another edition
4.0
An award-winning book from The Philippines, Smaller and Smaller Circles features two priests who double as forensic pathologists who are on the trail of a brutal serial killer targeting young boys in Manila.
Despite the protagonists being priests, this really isn't a novel that deals much with religion (which I appreciated). It deals more with class and how the children living in abject poverty are considered disposable by many in power.
The mystery itself wasn't much of a mystery. I had the killer figured out within seconds of their introduction, and I kept waiting for a twist to come and prove me wrong. The "why" behind the killings was more the question.
This was kind of a sad, depressing book, knowing things like this happen all the time. I am happy I read it, though.
Not a great book—I would have liked more mystery behind the killer's identity and a more evenly paced novel—but I enjoyed it a great deal nonetheless.
4 out of 5 stars.
Despite the protagonists being priests, this really isn't a novel that deals much with religion (which I appreciated). It deals more with class and how the children living in abject poverty are considered disposable by many in power.
The mystery itself wasn't much of a mystery. I had the killer figured out within seconds of their introduction, and I kept waiting for a twist to come and prove me wrong. The "why" behind the killings was more the question.
This was kind of a sad, depressing book, knowing things like this happen all the time. I am happy I read it, though.
Not a great book—I would have liked more mystery behind the killer's identity and a more evenly paced novel—but I enjoyed it a great deal nonetheless.
4 out of 5 stars.
littletsundoku's review against another edition
4.0
"The truly powerful man is the man who stands alone."
Finally done with this one and it makes me realize and marvel at how nothing has really changed about the systems here in PH. What misery was around since 1997 is still rampant right now in 2021.
Until we decide on our own parallel paths to seek justice, the compassion we seek is neither theirs to give nor ours to ask for.
I'll be keeping this short and will probably write a more in depth review about this book when we're done with the discussion for our bookclub.
Finally done with this one and it makes me realize and marvel at how nothing has really changed about the systems here in PH. What misery was around since 1997 is still rampant right now in 2021.
Until we decide on our own parallel paths to seek justice, the compassion we seek is neither theirs to give nor ours to ask for.
I'll be keeping this short and will probably write a more in depth review about this book when we're done with the discussion for our bookclub.
shaq's review
3.0
Horrifying and deranged.
This was probably my first ever experience into the Crime Thriller genre, and it was really something. I'll be honest I almost feel like I'm being too harsh with my rating because it really was a good plot that was well executed too.
I did feel that the authors descriptions while extensive failed to have the effect of transporting me into the book's setting and I feel in part the reason for it is because there's an expectation of inherent knowledge that the author expects the reader to have, and as someone who's never experienced the Phillipines nor am aware of the operations of a Catholic University, I felt at times that there were certain points missing from the explanations.
That being said, just the right amount of shock, relief, and moral lessons were peppered into the story to keep it a very captivating read.
A great start to my reads for 2023, and a decent recommendation for anyone looking for a crime Thriller thats a cut above the rest.
This was probably my first ever experience into the Crime Thriller genre, and it was really something. I'll be honest I almost feel like I'm being too harsh with my rating because it really was a good plot that was well executed too.
I did feel that the authors descriptions while extensive failed to have the effect of transporting me into the book's setting and I feel in part the reason for it is because there's an expectation of inherent knowledge that the author expects the reader to have, and as someone who's never experienced the Phillipines nor am aware of the operations of a Catholic University, I felt at times that there were certain points missing from the explanations.
That being said, just the right amount of shock, relief, and moral lessons were peppered into the story to keep it a very captivating read.
A great start to my reads for 2023, and a decent recommendation for anyone looking for a crime Thriller thats a cut above the rest.
page_karla's review against another edition
5.0
It is so refreshing for me to read a novel in the Philippine setting. It has been a while. I really should get back to reading more from Filipino authors. The setting, plot and twists are so timely, and being a dentist, I enjoyed the story. I should watch the movie. :-)
ceema's review against another edition
Eating again, Toyang?
LIKE, WHO SAYS THAT??? HAHAHAHA
Anyway, this came across as a piece of journalism more than fiction, not only in the plot but also in the writing style. And while we're on that topic, I feel like making everyone speak English took away from the story. Not sure what to rate this honestly, I'm just glad I finally finished it.