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queenslayerbee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Forever waiting on my to-read pile, I finished this book about a month ago, and I've thought about it every day since. It was worth the wait; I don't wish I had read it sooner, because I might have not appreciated it as much as a less mature reader. As it is now, it's one of the most engaging novels I've encountered, as well as one of the most fascinating. The prose was verbose and descriptive, full of turns of phrase that constantly left me amazed. The character work was just as effective, aided by the epistolary format: you can't trust these people, you can't trust their version of events, either because they might lie or omit to others or to themselves. You'll second guess them (or at least, you're meant to), and your own assumptions about it; things I love to experience while I read. Merteuil, in particular, gained herself a spot among my most beloved characters of all time. She's scheming and horrid and absolutely marvelous for it, and her subtle war of wills with Valmont was a pleasure to read. All in all, this was a really great read for anybody who enjoys prose on the more intricate side, who wants to read and grapple with the grey area and the basest, most unappealing traits of humanity.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual assault
nathegz's review against another edition
dark
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
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Minor: Death
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