Scan barcode
stronlibrarianvibes's review against another edition
2.0
I found the structure confusing. Chapters alternated between a recounting of the trial and Lizzie’s European adventure.
The trial chapters use multiple first person narrators, which gets REALLY confusing—especially because this POV is inconsistent.
The travel chapters are better, but I think that was because they had a traditional third-person limited narration that focuses on Lizzie’s travels. They had an arc that was easier to follow.
I read this because I’m a true crime fan who has had an interest in this case for a long time. I’m glad I read this book, but I’m not sure I’d recommend this to anyone else.
*Review as written on a mobile device while lying in bed about to go to sleep. Tops are my fault, but I think they’re understandable under the circumstances.
The trial chapters use multiple first person narrators, which gets REALLY confusing—especially because this POV is inconsistent.
The travel chapters are better, but I think that was because they had a traditional third-person limited narration that focuses on Lizzie’s travels. They had an arc that was easier to follow.
I read this because I’m a true crime fan who has had an interest in this case for a long time. I’m glad I read this book, but I’m not sure I’d recommend this to anyone else.
*Review as written on a mobile device while lying in bed about to go to sleep. Tops are my fault, but I think they’re understandable under the circumstances.
toml72's review against another edition
5.0
A brilliant read, even as historical fiction. Lizzie did not kill her father or stepmother, but nevertheless Hunter weaves a well-written and highly entertaining tale with many interesting facts woven into the narrative. I read this back in 1984 and can recall nearly all of it; not always the case.
loreofthebooks's review against another edition
1.0
I really didn't enjoy this book at all -- I feel as if my time would have been better spent reading the actual trial transcripts.
The author isn't a bad writer at all -- I just felt the flow of the story was inconsistent. I didn't get into it as I would have liked to.
I hope it works out for someone else though!
The author isn't a bad writer at all -- I just felt the flow of the story was inconsistent. I didn't get into it as I would have liked to.
I hope it works out for someone else though!
sarahelizabethii's review against another edition
2.0
Welp, that sure went downhill in the second half.
kirstiereads's review against another edition
2.0
Sorry, but it's just my opinion...
Very disappointed to be honest. Around one third of the book was interesting, maybe a bit less than that, but the remainder was either boring, written a tad poorly, or just simply annoying. I pushed through this because it was the story of Lizzie Borden and I couldn't just quit it, but I'm just glad this wasn't a book I spent money on. I definitely am sad about this book. The last 50 pages or so was the only reason I am giving this a 2/5 and not 1/5. The story and direction the author chose just didn't work for me. I recently read See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt and personally preferred that story of Lizzie much much more than this one. Just my opinion.
SPOILERS:
The rumor of Lizzie being a lesbian is something I was already aware of. While I have no problem with lesbians or these relationships being written about, I just didn't like that this was the basis of why Lizzie committed the murders in this story.
Very disappointed to be honest. Around one third of the book was interesting, maybe a bit less than that, but the remainder was either boring, written a tad poorly, or just simply annoying. I pushed through this because it was the story of Lizzie Borden and I couldn't just quit it, but I'm just glad this wasn't a book I spent money on. I definitely am sad about this book. The last 50 pages or so was the only reason I am giving this a 2/5 and not 1/5. The story and direction the author chose just didn't work for me. I recently read See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt and personally preferred that story of Lizzie much much more than this one. Just my opinion.
SPOILERS:
The rumor of Lizzie being a lesbian is something I was already aware of. While I have no problem with lesbians or these relationships being written about, I just didn't like that this was the basis of why Lizzie committed the murders in this story.
thisiscourt's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Homophobia
majesdane's review
3.0
I accidentally deleted my old review ... so new review coming at ... some point.
More...