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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
(3.5) This was a very interesting and disturbing look at Boston's commercial fishing industry, and at the sickening sadists who slaughter animals for pleasure, so if that bothers you, I would pass on this.
I liked Pirio and her attempts to soften her heart despite growing up in a family that necessitated hardening it. I liked the glimpse of the perfume world and the expedition she goes on in the end of the book. I loved Noah and the relationship between him and Pirio and his mother; troubled but loving.
Good, but not great.
I liked Pirio and her attempts to soften her heart despite growing up in a family that necessitated hardening it. I liked the glimpse of the perfume world and the expedition she goes on in the end of the book. I loved Noah and the relationship between him and Pirio and his mother; troubled but loving.
Good, but not great.
3.5 stars
Not my typical kind of read, but I enjoyed it. Believably, but not depressingly for the most part, flawed characters combined with great atmospherics and an engaging plot.
Not my typical kind of read, but I enjoyed it. Believably, but not depressingly for the most part, flawed characters combined with great atmospherics and an engaging plot.
4.5 stars. It's always splendid when the last book of the year is a brilliant one. A tough, smart woman and ships are two of my favorite things. This book has both as well as a good plot and some interesting supporting characters. This is Elo's debut--cannot wait to read her next one. (review copy)
This had a compelling mystery and dynamic characters. There's a bit of a slow-down in the middle, but it quickly regains that lost ground. I liked it.
I got the chance to interview Elisabeth about this book. Tune in here: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-132-take-5-with-elisabeth-elo
I got the chance to interview Elisabeth about this book. Tune in here: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-132-take-5-with-elisabeth-elo
I wasn't sure how this book would read; drama, mystery, etc. but it ended up reading as a nice mix. Family and friendship at the heart of it, wrapped within a mystery that stems from the greed and cruelty of humanity. I really enjoyed the way that it read and really felt endeared to the main character despite her sporting a somewhat hardened exterior.
What I liked: I liked the way it wasn't only about her family and her alcoholic best friend. It wasn't only about the mystery and why her friend was killed. I liked the descriptive language, the sense of place, I was transported to Boston and then to Labrador, I love a book that takes me somewhere. I really cared about some of the characters and their motivations.
What I didn't like: some things were unbelievable, I wouldn't be running and swimming after being hurt and having broken ribs. Some terms were used a few times too close together such as "his eyes slid sideways", I think some editing would have helped there.
That being said, I'm all for setting reality aside and just going and enjoying the book and I did!
What I didn't like: some things were unbelievable, I wouldn't be running and swimming after being hurt and having broken ribs. Some terms were used a few times too close together such as "his eyes slid sideways", I think some editing would have helped there.
That being said, I'm all for setting reality aside and just going and enjoying the book and I did!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix