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booksbecreads's review against another edition
4.0
"People were not like glass, they couldn't be melted down, remade"
what_will_jess_read_next's review against another edition
5.0
Inga Simpson has this amazing ability to write about nature in such a way that each tree, each bird, each river becomes a character of it’s own.
Admittedly I am very familiar with the NSW south coast and Canberra, so I could picture the landscapes Rachel was travelling through.
But Simpson describes place with such detail, I not only imagined them, I felt like I was there.
This story is an apocalyptic thriller, a letter of love to the natural world and a warning to us all about climate change and the impact humans are having on the planet.
If I had read this 5 years ago, I probably would have scoffed at how far-fetched it all was.
How terrifying that much of “The last woman in the world” has or is happening right now.
Admittedly I am very familiar with the NSW south coast and Canberra, so I could picture the landscapes Rachel was travelling through.
But Simpson describes place with such detail, I not only imagined them, I felt like I was there.
This story is an apocalyptic thriller, a letter of love to the natural world and a warning to us all about climate change and the impact humans are having on the planet.
If I had read this 5 years ago, I probably would have scoffed at how far-fetched it all was.
How terrifying that much of “The last woman in the world” has or is happening right now.
luna_frighthouse's review against another edition
3.0
Rachel lives alone in isolation, but when the majority of people have suddenly died mysteriously she is faced with the task of aiding Hannah, a young mother, and her sick baby.
‘The Last Woman In The World’ is a book about overcoming anxiety and fear in the face of insurmountable horror in order to survive and help others.
A lot of the ideas feel half-baked and the suspense is lacking, but it’s a perfectly enjoyable book that reflects what the world has been through lately, however in the end it feels rather underwhelming when compared to similar books such as ‘Bird Box’ by Josh Malerman and ‘The Fireman’ by Joe Hill (both of which I highly recommend!).
If you’re looking for an apocalyptic thriller with high stakes, a little horror and a heartfelt story then this is the book for you.
‘The Last Woman In The World’ is a book about overcoming anxiety and fear in the face of insurmountable horror in order to survive and help others.
A lot of the ideas feel half-baked and the suspense is lacking, but it’s a perfectly enjoyable book that reflects what the world has been through lately, however in the end it feels rather underwhelming when compared to similar books such as ‘Bird Box’ by Josh Malerman and ‘The Fireman’ by Joe Hill (both of which I highly recommend!).
If you’re looking for an apocalyptic thriller with high stakes, a little horror and a heartfelt story then this is the book for you.
wthanyell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I felt many concepts and ideas for a novel that weren't fully explored and expressed within this novel. It's a shame because I quite enjoyed the writing style - the consistent reference to Rachel counting her steps, measuring her breaths, feeling connected to the land and nature around her and describing her glasswork.
It was a journey worth following but the post-apocalyptic concepts didn't feel fully fleshed out. References to a pandemic, fires and now these creatures which aren't ever fully described?
I understand that 'they' are meant to be a topic of uncertainty, but it was all a bit too much going on without much context in a novel of this length in my opinion.
It was a journey worth following but the post-apocalyptic concepts didn't feel fully fleshed out. References to a pandemic, fires and now these creatures which aren't ever fully described?
I understand that 'they' are meant to be a topic of uncertainty, but it was all a bit too much going on without much context in a novel of this length in my opinion.
herheadinherbook's review against another edition
3.0
TW: Death, anxiety disorders, gore, violence.
Rachel, an artist and glass blower, lives as a hermit in the middle of nowhere. Only getting visits from her sister twice a year, she is completely shut off from the world and that is just the way she likes it. So when a young mother knocks on her door and begs her to help her sick baby, what is Rachel to do? Any why is this woman talking about a pandemic which has killed most of the population through fear?
I enjoyed the writing style of “The Last Woman in the World”. The short, snappy chapters meant that I got engaged in Rachel’s world really quickly. It’s a really interesting concept for a book and and relevant to the world we live in today. There is something oddly comforting about a pandemic worse than the one you are living through. It’s atmospheric and poignant. Some sections in the book are bound to evoke a wave of emotion and stay with you. For me, it’s the child alone in the playground. Rachel’s character arc is definitely one of the best parts of the book.
At points my attention dropped whilst reading it. My main issue with the book is how easily the obstacles in the plot are overcome. Traits that are long ingrained in Rachel’s character are solved with ease. A solution to the pandemic lands in their lap. It lacked credibility for me.
It’s an interesting read and original concept. Fans of dystopian books will enjoy it but it may not be the best book they have read within that genre..
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel, an artist and glass blower, lives as a hermit in the middle of nowhere. Only getting visits from her sister twice a year, she is completely shut off from the world and that is just the way she likes it. So when a young mother knocks on her door and begs her to help her sick baby, what is Rachel to do? Any why is this woman talking about a pandemic which has killed most of the population through fear?
I enjoyed the writing style of “The Last Woman in the World”. The short, snappy chapters meant that I got engaged in Rachel’s world really quickly. It’s a really interesting concept for a book and and relevant to the world we live in today. There is something oddly comforting about a pandemic worse than the one you are living through. It’s atmospheric and poignant. Some sections in the book are bound to evoke a wave of emotion and stay with you. For me, it’s the child alone in the playground. Rachel’s character arc is definitely one of the best parts of the book.
At points my attention dropped whilst reading it. My main issue with the book is how easily the obstacles in the plot are overcome. Traits that are long ingrained in Rachel’s character are solved with ease. A solution to the pandemic lands in their lap. It lacked credibility for me.
It’s an interesting read and original concept. Fans of dystopian books will enjoy it but it may not be the best book they have read within that genre..
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
rhi_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
2.75
teeshj's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
kimswhims's review against another edition
5.0
Thoroughly enjoyed this apocalyptic road-trip novel. I know the areas that the novel is set, like the back of my hand, and could easily picture the places as I listened to the compelling narrative.
A really interesting take on the genre and I loved the strong female leads.
My first of Inga Simpson's and I really need to get to the two others of hers that I have on my shelves at home.
A really interesting take on the genre and I loved the strong female leads.
My first of Inga Simpson's and I really need to get to the two others of hers that I have on my shelves at home.