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kelly_inthe419's review against another edition
3.0
This seems like just the type of story I should have been able to love. But while there was a lot to like about it, it left me feeling a bit uncertain and wishing for more answers.
I liked Jake Whyte quite well. She's a troubled, tortured soul who has made a few too many mistakes in her life. When we meet her on a remote English isle operating a sheep ranch, she is desperately seeking peace. Her guilt and fear have made that peace awfully hard to come by, though.
I didn't mind at all, the two interconnected story lines either. The present moves forward, while alternating chapters gradually reveal her past moving backward from the present.
A little obscurity is fine and I often like stories that end with some uncertainity. Not every story has to have a nice neat ending tied up with a fancy ribbon. But the ending just left too many unanswered questions, and the epilogue seemed to be a last ditch effort that fell short. I would have much preferred the story just end with Jake and Lloyd looking out at the woods. I am not a fan of epilogues and often wonder what motivates authors to employ this technique. It rarely works for me.
It did take me a while to finish this book, given its slim nature. It was not for a lack of interest because it was a compelling story. I do wonder if I'd given it more of my undivided attention if I might have enjoyed it even more.
I liked Jake Whyte quite well. She's a troubled, tortured soul who has made a few too many mistakes in her life. When we meet her on a remote English isle operating a sheep ranch, she is desperately seeking peace. Her guilt and fear have made that peace awfully hard to come by, though.
I didn't mind at all, the two interconnected story lines either. The present moves forward, while alternating chapters gradually reveal her past moving backward from the present.
A little obscurity is fine and I often like stories that end with some uncertainity. Not every story has to have a nice neat ending tied up with a fancy ribbon. But the ending just left too many unanswered questions, and the epilogue seemed to be a last ditch effort that fell short. I would have much preferred the story just end with Jake and Lloyd looking out at the woods. I am not a fan of epilogues and often wonder what motivates authors to employ this technique. It rarely works for me.
It did take me a while to finish this book, given its slim nature. It was not for a lack of interest because it was a compelling story. I do wonder if I'd given it more of my undivided attention if I might have enjoyed it even more.
eve_kaarina's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
jasperjames's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
louise632's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-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
3.0
chiara_stanic's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
danielsmith1's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
awilton's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence
Moderate: Animal death, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Minor: Bullying and Gore
hailey's review against another edition
3.0
Best Friend Book Club Book January 2018- The way Wyld interweaves the opposing chronologies is really well done. However, it took me a while to get through because certain parts of the story I really dreaded reading. If you’re looking for literary fiction with elements of a thriller definitely give this a go.
deesoupdragon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75