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beya2's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
glitteryfaery's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Edith Fair moved at the side of the wheeled chair, searching for perfect shells which, when found she dropped into a basket Lena Shanks held in her lap
Wow, where to begin, the vivid descriptions, the setting, the beautifully orchestrated revenge plot, a feast for the eyes of any reader who enjoys thrillers.
Although McDowell is known for his more fantastical horror writtings this was a very realistic portrayal of New York during the Gilded Age, I often found myself having clear pictures of a Victorian Big Apple in my mind while reading, and I'm not someone who has an easy time imagining things in my mind's eye.
It was the first book of his I've read and I think I made a good choice, McDowell doesn't shy away from letting you know just how superficial that golden foil is, there are very vivid descriptions of death, poverty and debauchery of every kind, contrasted with the picture of elegance and class portrayed by the Stallworths.
This is a shocking yet enjoyable read but it does have it's flaws which I found to be the multiple unfortunate additions of racially insensitive passages, so do keep that in mind.
Edith Fair moved at the side of the wheeled chair, searching for perfect shells which, when found she dropped into a basket Lena Shanks held in her lap
Wow, where to begin, the vivid descriptions, the setting, the beautifully orchestrated revenge plot, a feast for the eyes of any reader who enjoys thrillers.
Although McDowell is known for his more fantastical horror writtings this was a very realistic portrayal of New York during the Gilded Age, I often found myself having clear pictures of a Victorian Big Apple in my mind while reading, and I'm not someone who has an easy time imagining things in my mind's eye.
It was the first book of his I've read and I think I made a good choice, McDowell doesn't shy away from letting you know just how superficial that golden foil is, there are very vivid descriptions of death, poverty and debauchery of every kind, contrasted with the picture of elegance and class portrayed by the Stallworths.
This is a shocking yet enjoyable read but it does have it's flaws which I found to be the multiple unfortunate additions of racially insensitive passages, so do keep that in mind.
petiteqamar's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
sma_olivia's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sara_fangirl98's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mogffm3's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled to like any of the characters.
The upper class Republicans were arrogant asses.
The crime family lacked morals.
I like crime, so the revenge part was enjoyable, about a 5 -- but otherwise the actual characters rated 2 stars for me.
The upper class Republicans were arrogant asses.
The crime family lacked morals.
I like crime, so the revenge part was enjoyable, about a 5 -- but otherwise the actual characters rated 2 stars for me.
papaveriepapere's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0