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thebakerbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I was so excited to read this book because I LOVED The Good Sister, the first book I read by Sally Hepworth, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations though I still enjoyed reading it.
I probably would have rated it higher if not for the ending.
I loved the different relationships between characters and the dynamics in this family. There was space for each character to breathe and grow, particularly the sister relationship between Tully and Rachel. But I liked Heather’s chapters too, and how she got fleshed out, though I felt a bit more disconnect from her.
The mystery was good too—it flips between our three narrators in the present and an unknown narrator in the future (I really enjoyed that reveal). My problem was with the ending. I had a good idea of where it was going, and then the last two chapters, everything is suddenly in doubt—or is it? I’m still not sure what I’m supposed to get from that last chapter because the most apparent conclusion (that the women are crazy and the dad was not actually abusive ) and what it says about women is not one I like.
So I’m not really sure what to think of this one. I enjoyed most of it, and I like her writing style, but the ending left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for letting me read this eARC!
I probably would have rated it higher if not for the ending.
I loved the different relationships between characters and the dynamics in this family. There was space for each character to breathe and grow, particularly the sister relationship between Tully and Rachel. But I liked Heather’s chapters too, and how she got fleshed out, though I felt a bit more disconnect from her.
The mystery was good too—it flips between our three narrators in the present and an unknown narrator in the future (I really enjoyed that reveal). My problem was with the ending. I had a good idea of where it was going, and then the last two chapters, everything is suddenly in doubt—or is it? I’m still not sure what I’m supposed to get from that last chapter because the most apparent conclusion (
So I’m not really sure what to think of this one. I enjoyed most of it, and I like her writing style, but the ending left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for letting me read this eARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Blood, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Dementia, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, and Alcohol
Moderate: Murder, Violence, and Death of parent
melzy__'s review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Rape, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Miscarriage, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Eating disorder, and Murder
kasey_reads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is a solid 3 star read. The characters are interesting and dynamic, and it's an intriguing domestic drama. The story is well written, there's enough of a mystery to keep you engaged, and the shifting POVs help hold attention really well.
However, I really wasn't a fan of the ending. It takes a really special kind of skill to write such a beautifully ambiguous ending, but I just felt hollow when I finished. I wanted payoff!! I wanted these women to have to confront their perceptions, their way of thinking, themselves!! I understand that the takeaway of this book is that we might not get closure on everything in life, but this just felt really unfair. To go on this full, twisty, at times intense journey with these characters only to have the whole thing turned on it's head in one chapter felt unfair.
Adding a twist at the buzzer seems to be the Hepworth style. So if that's what you're into, definitely pick up her books!
However, I really wasn't a fan of the ending. It takes a really special kind of skill to write such a beautifully ambiguous ending, but I just felt hollow when I finished. I wanted payoff!! I wanted these women to have to confront their perceptions, their way of thinking, themselves!! I understand that the takeaway of this book is that we might not get closure on everything in life, but this just felt really unfair. To go on this full, twisty, at times intense journey with these characters only to have the whole thing turned on it's head in one chapter felt unfair.
Adding a twist at the buzzer seems to be the Hepworth style. So if that's what you're into, definitely pick up her books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Dementia
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
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