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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one lands right in the middle for me, about 3 out of 5 stars. The beginning was a little tough to follow with all the characters and shifting timelines, but once I got my bearings, I was pulled in by the mystery. I didn’t connect with any of the characters. The women were insufferable, the men were predictable, and even the children reflected the worst traits of the adults around them. The themes of parenting and privilege felt typical, nothing new or particularly insightful. That said, the final reveal did surprise me, and it kept me invested through the end. I wouldn’t recommend this one as I did The Push, but it wasn't a waste of time either.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really enjoyed this one, couldn't put it down, very captivating. Some surprises at the end, would have loved to have some more closure.
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
Ashley Audrain delivers another book I just couldn't put down, a dark, gripping read with deep, interesting characters. 5 STARS!
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Very scary and full of suspense... couldn't put it down!
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read The Push by this author quite some time ago and I absolutely loved it. The Whispers felt to me like it could have been in a similar series or a companion novel or something. The vibes in terms of subject matter were very very similar. The main difference was that there was a heavier thriller presence in The Push whereas The Whispers was heavier on the characters than the plot.
There were some heartbreaking moments exploring the lives of women. Womanhood, motherhood, having kids, not having kids, wanting kids and not able to have them, having kids and not wanting them. Some of it got pretty dark but I will say it all felt so real and I'm sure that nearly every woman could read this and find something to relate to.
This was necessarily an easy read but it was a good read. It took me some time to get through it as it wasn't something I could sit down and binge, I had to take it slowly. If you've read The Push and you're expecting a similar book, you'll get it, just don't expect as much of a thriller plot.
There were some heartbreaking moments exploring the lives of women. Womanhood, motherhood, having kids, not having kids, wanting kids and not able to have them, having kids and not wanting them. Some of it got pretty dark but I will say it all felt so real and I'm sure that nearly every woman could read this and find something to relate to.
This was necessarily an easy read but it was a good read. It took me some time to get through it as it wasn't something I could sit down and binge, I had to take it slowly. If you've read The Push and you're expecting a similar book, you'll get it, just don't expect as much of a thriller plot.
... Well if you're ever on the fence about birthing children, let this be the read for you !
A darkly gripping read with some well placed twists unfolding throughout. However there were some minor inconsistencies for me. I felt there were loose threads that weren't followed up, or plots that were not elaborated on enough to warrant including (ie. Maras role in it all?). Overall though I enjoyed the writing. It was definitely a page-turner, with a nicely executed final scene. I'll gladly lap up more Ashely Audrain novels.
A darkly gripping read with some well placed twists unfolding throughout. However there were some minor inconsistencies for me. I felt there were loose threads that weren't followed up, or plots that were not elaborated on enough to warrant including (ie. Maras role in it all?). Overall though I enjoyed the writing. It was definitely a page-turner, with a nicely executed final scene. I'll gladly lap up more Ashely Audrain novels.
Holy moly if would give this 7 stars if I could. The writing. The story. The author does such a good job unpacking the monotony of motherhood and dynamics of female relationships. Took my breath away at times.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book like The Push by Audrain addresses the complexity of supposed unconditional love that should occur between parent and child. Audrain creates a tension filled situation for four sets of neighbors who hold each others’ secrets to protect their friends. When a ten year old boy is found outside a two story window, the story weaves through the scenarios of murder by a mother who has struggled to bond with a child or a suicide by a child who doesn’t feel loved by a family or his friends. The end will take you by surprise; however, true to form, Audrain does not answer any questions and leaves the audience wondering how these families will survive after this traumatic situation.
Told in a n alternating narration, Audrain is able to provide characterization for the female characters that delves into their doubts and insecurities. She allows them to questions their thoughts and decisions, as well as speculate about the “what if” questions.
Told in a n alternating narration, Audrain is able to provide characterization for the female characters that delves into their doubts and insecurities. She allows them to questions their thoughts and decisions, as well as speculate about the “what if” questions.