Scan barcode
oliviaclaire's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
There are two main issues I have with this book. The first is that neither of the protagonists are particularly likeable. In fact, they're not at all likeable. Annie has moved upstate due to the abrupt and unfortunate end of a long term relationship. Her heartbreak and general depression are totally understandable, until you learn that Annie has not ever not been in a relationship since middle school and within those relationships she has compromised to the point of self-erasure to sustain them and even repeatedly ditched friendships for them. Annie is the definition of 'desperate' and 'unable to be on her own'.
Cue Sophie, Annie's new best friend and suspected (it's really blatantly obvious) witch. Sophie attempts to convince Annie that there is more to life than a boyfriend, that she can be a happily single woman content in her own power. This sounds like it could be a significant improvement to Annie's outlook, if only Sophie didn't use threats, spying, pressure and non-consensual psychedelic drugs to achieve her ends...
The second issue with this book is that aside from the unhealthy friendship between Annie and Sophie, along with Annie's general mopiness, not much of note actually happens in this book. There are some interesting moments but the plot doesn't really go anywhere.
It was a shame as I did enjoy Such Sharp Teeth and I think I'll still read Black Sheep before making a final judgment on Harrison's books in general but Cackle was a miss for me.
On a positive note, plus 0.5 stars for Ralph. He was very sweet and I enjoyed him immensely. He reminded me of the YouTube spider Lucas.
Moderate: Body horror, Drug use, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Infidelity
caitevans7's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Alcoholism, Blood, and Panic attacks/disorders
emoryjoy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Grief, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Blood
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Death, Gore, Stalking, Blood, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexism, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Mental illness, Death of parent, and Body shaming
Arachnophobia - there are lots of spiders in this bookaimzthereader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Body shaming, Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, Vomit, Violence, Torture, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gaslighting
Minor: Infidelity