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avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
A boring mind f*ck. Is that a thing? Well, if not it is now! You've got 2 unreliable narrators, the male one is a dull teen boy then a generic white guy with scoliosis (which by the way they don't usually do surgery on until you're done growing) with an alcohol and drug problem, who then blames himself for everything bad that happens.
I usually like books with odd formats but this one just didn't work. Mercy/Mary's commentary was the only part that kept me reading. But you still don't know what's real and what's not in the end.
I usually like books with odd formats but this one just didn't work. Mercy/Mary's commentary was the only part that kept me reading. But you still don't know what's real and what's not in the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Grief, Addiction, Toxic friendship, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Chronic illness, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Death of parent and Terminal illness
Minor: Body shaming and Bullying
dreamdoughnut's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I have torn through many of Tremblay’s other novels so I was eagerly awaiting the Pallbearers Club. It didn’t grip me in the same way. Most of his other novels are fast-paced, starring out the gate with horror. This one dragged.
I think my main issue is that Art is incredibly unlikeable. I love a narrator that is flawed and unreliable but ultimately you want to relate to that character. He was vulnerable but blamed everyone but himself for his problems. He reminded me of an ex of mine, so maybe that’s a personal problem.
It wasn’t the worst book I’ve read. It just wasn’t a nail-biter like Tremblay’s other novels.
I think my main issue is that Art is incredibly unlikeable. I love a narrator that is flawed and unreliable but ultimately you want to relate to that character. He was vulnerable but blamed everyone but himself for his problems. He reminded me of an ex of mine, so maybe that’s a personal problem.
It wasn’t the worst book I’ve read. It just wasn’t a nail-biter like Tremblay’s other novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Grief, and Medical content
Minor: Cancer and Terminal illness
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