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atypicalbeth's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, and Infidelity
Minor: Gaslighting and Grief
nrogers_1030's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Graphic: Gaslighting, Grief, Infidelity, Gun violence, Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Death, Murder, Violence, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Classism, and Infertility
Minor: Sexual content, Terminal illness, Miscarriage, and Cancer
amandasbookreview's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“We perceive women suffering from mental illness with a sort of paradoxical double-sidedness; both victims and monsters. simultaneously infantilized and feared.”
I absolutely love Camilla Sten’s writing. She really nails the eerie atmospheric tension. Her story building is very slow-burn and I can understand how some people may not appreciate it. But just stay the course, because each reveal throughout the book really packs a punch. There is a lot happening in this book though. Trigger warnings: murder, child abuse, gaslighting, miscarriage, mental illness, suicide.
The book does jump back and forth between the present and 1965. There are 4 names that start with “V” and it did take a while to get used to and put all the pieces together. At every plot twist, the lies come to light and readers will be working to piece everything together. By the end of the novel, I knew who the perpetrator was. I was a little disappointed with the ending but I actually loved everything leading up to it. It was very creepy and I often wondered if we were dealing with something more paranormal rather than a long-lost family secret. –And that is how a good author keeps readers on their toes.
The characters are complex and have their faults. There are a few characters…like Vivianne who are completely toxic and I did not quite understand the hold she had on those around her. BUT, it made sense in the end. Overall, I will always read Camilla Sten’s works, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Murder, and Death of parent
nonbinaryreading's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Mental illness, Murder, Toxic relationship, Violence, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Suicide
Moderate: Gun violence, Infidelity, Abandonment, Grief, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Gore
Minor: Pregnancy, Vomit, and Car accident