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theeoldbear's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Ableism, Sexism, and Alcoholism
nebraskanwriter's review against another edition
fast-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
1.0
This book was not for me. I did not realize going into it what I was getting myself into and that is on me, I acknowledge that.
I thought this book was going to be taking a more A Man Called Ove approach but instead it took a total Dexter approach.
This is an 88 year old serial killer who will kill anyone who wrongs her or thinks is going to wrong her. And I know many people in other reviews have said this was “hilarious” and I’m glad that they enjoyed it but how calculating she was, how she did not have any remorse and how she did it all for selfish reasons (even the abuse situation, she killed the husband so she could go back to having a peaceful Christmas day. She did not do it for the abused wife).
I thought this would be giving Carl from UP, where yes he goes against the people trying to take his home but it is kind of loveable and endearing, his grumpy outer exterior because you discover that inside, he is actually a really nice person. Or in A Man Called Ove, same thing he is rebelling against the system that is taking advantage of his wife’s horrible accident, but he does not go and kill the people that wrong him! And as the book goes on, we see that Ove does have a heart, like Carl.
There was nothing redeemable in Maude. She killed anyone that so much stepped a toe out of line or did her wrong in any way, even stabbing one of the men at the grocery store when he couldn’t get her the ham that she wanted.
I know many people loved this and thought this book was hilarious. It is definitely me, not you. I thought this was going to be a light hearted book but it was just a book about an old woman brutally murdering anyone who wronged her, that was it.She even kills her sister.
Nope, not for me!
I thought this book was going to be taking a more A Man Called Ove approach but instead it took a total Dexter approach.
This is an 88 year old serial killer who will kill anyone who wrongs her or thinks is going to wrong her. And I know many people in other reviews have said this was “hilarious” and I’m glad that they enjoyed it but how calculating she was, how she did not have any remorse and how she did it all for selfish reasons (even the abuse situation, she killed the husband so she could go back to having a peaceful Christmas day. She did not do it for the abused wife).
I thought this would be giving Carl from UP, where yes he goes against the people trying to take his home but it is kind of loveable and endearing, his grumpy outer exterior because you discover that inside, he is actually a really nice person. Or in A Man Called Ove, same thing he is rebelling against the system that is taking advantage of his wife’s horrible accident, but he does not go and kill the people that wrong him! And as the book goes on, we see that Ove does have a heart, like Carl.
There was nothing redeemable in Maude. She killed anyone that so much stepped a toe out of line or did her wrong in any way, even stabbing one of the men at the grocery store when he couldn’t get her the ham that she wanted.
I know many people loved this and thought this book was hilarious. It is definitely me, not you. I thought this was going to be a light hearted book but it was just a book about an old woman brutally murdering anyone who wronged her, that was it.
Nope, not for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Gore, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Body horror, Domestic abuse, Abandonment, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cursing, Medical content, and Violence
vigil's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
on the rare occasion an older woman is introduced into a book, she’s usually a flat sweet grandmother character meant to occasionally support the (often male) protag.
maud, an 88 year old swedish female murderer is none of these things. its part of what makes her so delightful. another is the skill portrayed by helene tursten, in characterization, and plot. she’s a rotten old lady who’s first instinct to the slightest annoyance is murder, and it makes for an excellent read.
this is a collection of four short stories, easily read in one afternoon. i believe that they should be read in order, especially the last two, which are in direct relation to each other.
needless to say, i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and spending time in maud’s devious little brain. i absolutely plan on picking up the sequel.
maud, an 88 year old swedish female murderer is none of these things. its part of what makes her so delightful. another is the skill portrayed by helene tursten, in characterization, and plot. she’s a rotten old lady who’s first instinct to the slightest annoyance is murder, and it makes for an excellent read.
this is a collection of four short stories, easily read in one afternoon. i believe that they should be read in order, especially the last two, which are in direct relation to each other.
needless to say, i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and spending time in maud’s devious little brain. i absolutely plan on picking up the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Violence, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Murder, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Blood, Car accident, Chronic illness, Death, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Physical abuse
purplelake's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Dementia, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Physical abuse
Minor: Car accident, Cursing, and Grief
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