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gofortori's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well-crafted. If I needed to choose one word to describe One of the Girls, that's the one I'd use. The quality of the writing is what pushed me over the edge for a 5-star rating. Dark and atmospheric, with a deeply developed cast of complicated female protagonists with haunting, emotional backstories that all collide in a beautifully exotic location, I would have been hooked on this story even if the writing was mediocre. This book is billed as a psychological thriller, which it is, but it's also a deep exploration into female friendships, the power of being both strong and vulnerable, and the haunting cycles we find ourselves in until we break the circle by being honest with ourselves and those we love.
That ENDING! I actually gasped, and also cried. And the last line – chef's kiss. I also appreciate the representation of neurodivergence, PTSD and mental illness, postpartum body change, queer selfhood and relationships, etc.
Each of the six women has a detailed character history and feel as textured as real people. The author clearly put a lot of work into getting to know her own characters, and it shows. I want to give each one a big hug.
I loved the constant presence of the sea and the terrace throughout the tale, always looming, just like the secrets each woman brings to the hen weekend. But only as events unfold do we realize their significance.
The cyclical nature of the story focuses on righting past wrongs instead of letting them happen over and over again.Lexi's struggle with her parents' marriage and father's distance, Eleanor and Sam's right marriage that didn't happen ending up preventing Lexi's and Ed's marriage that shouldn't, past Robyn with past Bella setting the stage for current Robyn and current Fen, Eleanor finally getting her peace from saving the person who was responsible for her loss, past Ana and current Ana taking back her power, Eleanor saving bride-to-be Lexi the way she should have been saved as a bride-to-be, Luca's past easing Wren's future, and so on. All the shame the women focus inward for so long, it all leads back to the presence of male entitlement and existing in a world dominated by male choice. The themes dealt with femininity and womanhood and selfhood and self-denial and finding the inner courage to break your pattern by saving someone else and finding your own worth in the process.
Lucy Clarke has a lovely style that makes this story a pleasure to read, engaging as a thriller, and deeply satisfying as a feminist exploration.
That ENDING! I actually gasped, and also cried. And the last line – chef's kiss. I also appreciate the representation of neurodivergence, PTSD and mental illness, postpartum body change, queer selfhood and relationships, etc.
Each of the six women has a detailed character history and feel as textured as real people. The author clearly put a lot of work into getting to know her own characters, and it shows. I want to give each one a big hug.
I loved the constant presence of the sea and the terrace throughout the tale, always looming, just like the secrets each woman brings to the hen weekend. But only as events unfold do we realize their significance.
The cyclical nature of the story focuses on righting past wrongs instead of letting them happen over and over again.
Lucy Clarke has a lovely style that makes this story a pleasure to read, engaging as a thriller, and deeply satisfying as a feminist exploration.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Rape, and Self harm
Minor: Biphobia, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
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