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3.08 AVERAGE
3.08 AVERAGE
Well, I'm done, I managed to finish my disappointing first Allende experience. There were a lot of let downs from an author I have heard such good things about, who has many successful books. Some basic writerly moves were ignored, that made my reading we'll call it tense and slightly irritating to be told so much. I also think this is a classic case of taking on too much, too many characters, too many layers, etc. It's like a 5000 piece puzzle that is missing many pieces and never really comes together to look like anything. I cared little for Indiana, liked Amanda and Blake okay, and the idea of the game Ripper was intriguing, and the murders interesting enough. BUT people were dying, suffering, etc & I just didn't care, because it was kind of a flat book. The only reason I give this three stars instead of two, is because there were moments when I thought it was getting good, the plot and pacing picked up, I thought finally, it's gong somewhere... Only to be dropped, a half baked cookie on the floor before it's time.
Inicialmente muy pesado, demasiado descriptivo y, según mi parecer, se va por las ramas en demasiadas ocasiones. Sin embargo, al final retoma el encanto que llama inicialmente a leer el libro y te deja con un buen gusto. El misterio mismo, luego de pensar ligeramente los detalles que te muestran, no es tan difícil de resolver, pero tiene un par de giros que uno mismo no se imagina. Interesante, no de lo mejor, pero un buen libro para pasar el rato
While I enjoyed the crime plotline, it was constantly interrupted by the introduction of new characters - some of whom did not end up mattering much - or more backstory for the main characters. Overall, too much backstory, too much telling instead of showing.
Disappointing, but I did finish because the crime element was compelling enough for me.
Disappointing, but I did finish because the crime element was compelling enough for me.
I have never been so torn with a book before. Did I love it? Hate it? Was it well-written? Poorly written? I don't know. I really don't. While I was in the middle of reading it, I thought it might end up on my favourites shelf, but here we are with a two star rating.
There was something that gripped me about the novel though, I raced through it and there were parts/characters I absolutely loved, but... And there's always a 'but' when I think about this novel which is why it ended up with two stars. I love Allende's other work that I've read and I feel like she's incredibly talented, but something about this novel just didn't work well for me. I picked up this novel based on her name alone and was surprised by how different it felt from her other work, but there are still elements that I loved in it. Give it a shot is my recommendation and if you're not drawn in by page 50, put it back on the shelf.
There was something that gripped me about the novel though, I raced through it and there were parts/characters I absolutely loved, but... And there's always a 'but' when I think about this novel which is why it ended up with two stars. I love Allende's other work that I've read and I feel like she's incredibly talented, but something about this novel just didn't work well for me. I picked up this novel based on her name alone and was surprised by how different it felt from her other work, but there are still elements that I loved in it. Give it a shot is my recommendation and if you're not drawn in by page 50, put it back on the shelf.
the end of the book was beautiful, I really enjoyed it.. now, the other like.. 400 pages were almost unnecessary.. Personally, I wouldn't really recommend it
I couldn't get into the story and some problematic language every fee pages was annoying me too much to care for it in any way.
Suspenseful
Good read. Twists and turns and characters that you want to root for. Good book to start for summer break
Good read. Twists and turns and characters that you want to root for. Good book to start for summer break
I really enjoy Isabel Allende's other books. Ripper was a struggle to finish. It probably could have been shortened. There was too much irrelevant information/storyline.
dark
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal death, Cancer, Religious bigotry
I slowly worked my way to finish this book. I love how it ends, though. At first, I thought I will never finish this book but my mama didn't raise a quitter, so I pushed through and I am not disappointed.
There are a lot of descriptions in this book, so... But the last quarter of the story is gripping. But that ending, man. It just breaks my heart.
There are a lot of descriptions in this book, so... But the last quarter of the story is gripping. But that ending, man. It just breaks my heart.