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paroof's review against another edition
2.0
Not really sure how this book ended up on my to be read list. It's not the type of book I enjoy. I suppose I saw it a "horror" list somewhere and I liked the cover. Although the book is horrifying, it's not horror.
I thought the story was interesting enough that I finished it, but it wasn't a very long book. The premise was very promising and so I was hopeful at the beginning. But as the book progressed, I thought it was predictable and unbelievable.
I thought the story was interesting enough that I finished it, but it wasn't a very long book. The premise was very promising and so I was hopeful at the beginning. But as the book progressed, I thought it was predictable and unbelievable.
gordonk's review against another edition
5.0
I borrowed this book from my local library thinking that it was a supernatural horror, I was incorrect. Had I realised I was mistaken about the subject matter I wouldn’t have picked this book at all as I’m not a big fan of crime fiction but I am glad that I did. I found this book to be thought provoking and well written. Aspects of this story reminded me of Stephen King’s Misery but on a more personal level. It is a harrowing tale of family life where what goes on behind closed doors can be utterly disturbing. This book may not have been what I expected but once I got into it I knew I had something special and as a result I may even be more likely to read crime fiction in the future!
jadama13's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
iriswhatiris's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This deserves an adaptation
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Murder, and Sexual harassment
wellitscris's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
moiram's review against another edition
4.0
Minette Walters has the ability to write books that are incredibly horrifying, with characters that draw you into the story, despite the revulsion you feel at their actions. Little Muna is a monster, but she is what her tormentors made her. Karma is a bitch.
alexandrabree's review against another edition
5.0
Grabbed this off the shelf thinking it was Richard Laymons "the cellar" took a quick look realizing it wasn't and then thought "the girl next door" jack Ketchum and it was.
Not as good but thy along the same lines, creepy,sinister and horrible.
Not as good but thy along the same lines, creepy,sinister and horrible.
krobart's review against another edition
3.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2016/06/16/day-919-the-cellar/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2016/06/16/day-919-the-cellar/
mellabella's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know what to make of this book. 14 year old Muna lives in a dark cellar. She was kidnapped from an orphanage in Africa at the age of 8. She was brought to the UK by the Songoli family (who are also African). Now, she's the Songoli family slave. She's physically, mentally, and sexually abused. One day the family's younger son goes missing. Muna's life takes a turn for the better. Muna evolves from terrified to bold. She thinks the Devil is down in the cellar with her. He's her mentor of sorts. None of the characters were likable. Muna included. At first I felt bad for her. Her sociopathic nature stopped that. Not that I can blame her for wanting to hurt four people who made her life absolutely miserable and who hurt her every chance they got. The middle of the book was eh. The end was WTH???? So, whatever.