Scan barcode
celjla212's review against another edition
4.0
Let me start by saying that this book has a very slow burn. Usually, I would have given up on a book in which the plot moves do slowly, but I could sense that the relationships between the characters were the main attraction here and what needed to be watched more than plot development. But if you're expecting a lot of things to happen, this is not the book for you.
David and Caroline's marriage was probably not hanging on by much anyway, by the time Zoe came into their lives. Zoe claims to be David's daughter from a previous relationship, and Caroline, who has always known that Zoe's mother was the real love of David's life, is rocked to see such a reminder of his past back in their lives in the present. Add to this the fact of the children David and Caroline have and their not taking too kindly to this wisp of a girl, and the whole book simmers like a pot about to boil over.
From the first meeting between David and Zoe, I could tell something was up with here. It's hard to believe David couldn't see through her, but in my opinion he wanted that connection to his past so badly, he chose to see what he wanted to see when it came to Zoe. Zoe is not a good person and that is confirmed by multiple people throughout the novel, but she has a way with men and can usually get them to see her innocent persona when she needs them to.
As a woman I couldn't help but feel for Caroline, though she was not entirely innocent through this story. She strayed from David, but who among us wouldn't be hurt upon learning our spouse only married us as a second option? I don't know if I ever really felt any love between the couple.
I would say the main problem I had with Girl Unknown is that only Caroline seemed to be able to see through Zoe's flaky shield. She couldn't get David to believe her, even when blatantly mistreated by Zoe, and this just put the nails in the coffin of their marriage. Zoe was able to way too easily manipulate so many people.
The final chapters of this book are amazing. They tell what unfolds from a distant third person point of view, and it's chilling to see. I was not expecting anything that happened, and I was left in shock for the last few pages. Girl Unknown is a dreary but highly entertaining read that those who enjoy tales of family intricacies will love.
David and Caroline's marriage was probably not hanging on by much anyway, by the time Zoe came into their lives. Zoe claims to be David's daughter from a previous relationship, and Caroline, who has always known that Zoe's mother was the real love of David's life, is rocked to see such a reminder of his past back in their lives in the present. Add to this the fact of the children David and Caroline have and their not taking too kindly to this wisp of a girl, and the whole book simmers like a pot about to boil over.
From the first meeting between David and Zoe, I could tell something was up with here. It's hard to believe David couldn't see through her, but in my opinion he wanted that connection to his past so badly, he chose to see what he wanted to see when it came to Zoe. Zoe is not a good person and that is confirmed by multiple people throughout the novel, but she has a way with men and can usually get them to see her innocent persona when she needs them to.
As a woman I couldn't help but feel for Caroline, though she was not entirely innocent through this story. She strayed from David, but who among us wouldn't be hurt upon learning our spouse only married us as a second option? I don't know if I ever really felt any love between the couple.
I would say the main problem I had with Girl Unknown is that only Caroline seemed to be able to see through Zoe's flaky shield. She couldn't get David to believe her, even when blatantly mistreated by Zoe, and this just put the nails in the coffin of their marriage. Zoe was able to way too easily manipulate so many people.
The final chapters of this book are amazing. They tell what unfolds from a distant third person point of view, and it's chilling to see. I was not expecting anything that happened, and I was left in shock for the last few pages. Girl Unknown is a dreary but highly entertaining read that those who enjoy tales of family intricacies will love.
strawbunniez's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest and Infidelity
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual assault
slushmucky's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the concept of this book. Loved how it was written from different perspectives. However what let this book down was one of the main characters. Throughout the book he constantly annoyed me with his blindness and his ignorance. I hated how insensitive he was towards his children and his wife. Another thing that let this book down was the ending. I felt it was rushed. Won’t be reading this again.
j_h_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
3.0
So very slow and irritating. Storyline was predictable. Yawn. Imploding family relationships... Whatever.
sally_evans_xx's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
tsquare345's review against another edition
1.0
Bleh. Yech... I got to chapter 14 and I just had to walk away.
juliette_21's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the beginning of this book. It started off really well. Loads of plots and twists and enough mystery for me to keep going.
Towards the end, the book fell a bit flat. Less going on and it became a bit long and tedious. I found myself skipping pages more and more and even then I was able to see everything going on.
Towards the end, the book fell a bit flat. Less going on and it became a bit long and tedious. I found myself skipping pages more and more and even then I was able to see everything going on.
razmatesz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
3.0
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
There was this calm and chilling feeling to this book. I really felt for Caroline.
Caroline and David are married and have two kids. Yes they have had their issues and worked through them. Now they are both focused on their careers and then things start to unravel.
Zoe shows up. Hey you're my dad! But who is she really? Yes she has the perfect story, but what does she want. I sure did not trust her, and neither did Caroline. While David was all "It will all work out". And the two kids, one trusted her, one did not.
Suddenly she is everywhere and their lives will never be the same.
The ending threw in a good twist. I can not say more.
A good book that had me wondering what would happen. Because secrets come out, and still there is unwavering trust....
Caroline and David are married and have two kids. Yes they have had their issues and worked through them. Now they are both focused on their careers and then things start to unravel.
Zoe shows up. Hey you're my dad! But who is she really? Yes she has the perfect story, but what does she want. I sure did not trust her, and neither did Caroline. While David was all "It will all work out". And the two kids, one trusted her, one did not.
Suddenly she is everywhere and their lives will never be the same.
The ending threw in a good twist. I can not say more.
A good book that had me wondering what would happen. Because secrets come out, and still there is unwavering trust....