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1of3bookgirls's review against another edition
1.0
This review is ONLY for the audio book.
I could not keep reading because the narrator was so bad. Breathy female readers are so distracting that I want to throw my phone. Maybe some people won't mind her voice, but I'll have to change to the traditional book and try again. Normally Minette Walters is one of my favorite writers.
I could not keep reading because the narrator was so bad. Breathy female readers are so distracting that I want to throw my phone. Maybe some people won't mind her voice, but I'll have to change to the traditional book and try again. Normally Minette Walters is one of my favorite writers.
tinamoo's review against another edition
3.0
I was really uncertain as to what to rate this book. I nearly gave up on this book before I had really got into it due to the subject matter but something about the story made me want to stick with it.
The story centres on Moona who is a slave. She is treated terribly by the family. Along with abuse she suffers, she is made to sleep in the cellar on the floor. One day the youngest boy of the family goes missing and Moona's life starts to get better.
My opinion of this story was mixed. The story managed to keep my attention but at the same time I kept waiting for something big to happen. I felt that the ending was really disappointing and we are left to draw our own conclusions. I personally felt it was lazy writing and expected more from Minette Walters.
The story centres on Moona who is a slave. She is treated terribly by the family. Along with abuse she suffers, she is made to sleep in the cellar on the floor. One day the youngest boy of the family goes missing and Moona's life starts to get better.
My opinion of this story was mixed. The story managed to keep my attention but at the same time I kept waiting for something big to happen. I felt that the ending was really disappointing and we are left to draw our own conclusions. I personally felt it was lazy writing and expected more from Minette Walters.
ashykhaira's review
4.0
Muna is part of Songoli family as their slave since she was 8 years old or younger.Mrs Songoli faked documents saying that she was her aunt to steal Muna from the orphanage.She is abused both physically and sexually by mrs and mr Songoli respectively and their sons blame her for everything.One day Abiola goes missing,then mrs Songoli,then olubayo....but who is behind their disappearance and why.why is it only mr Songoli who is not hurt.
debbied's review
3.0
This is a weird story and I kept having to go back over parts to make sure I understood what was happening. I'm still not sure exactly what happened in the end I have to reread the last chapter to be sure. I finished it but I feel like somewhere I missed something.
jenniferdavislance's review
4.0
Revenge is an ugly emotion, but as 14 yr old Muna, the illegal slave of the Songoli family, says, "I am what you have made me".
Muna is taken under false pretenses from an African orphanage when she's only 8 years old. Mrs. Songoli claims to be her aunt, and brings Muna back with her to Great Britain -to begin a horrible existence as the family's slave girl. Not only is she regularly beaten by Mrs. Songoli and sexually molested by Mr. Songoli, but their two sons are starting to present an ominous threat to Muna's already diminished circumstances.
But, Muna is a clever, resourceful girl. When the younger son mysteriously disappears on his way to school, she uses the opportunity to -finally-improve her life. But at what cost? A terrific, thrilling read that will keep you spellbound right to the last page.
Muna is taken under false pretenses from an African orphanage when she's only 8 years old. Mrs. Songoli claims to be her aunt, and brings Muna back with her to Great Britain -to begin a horrible existence as the family's slave girl. Not only is she regularly beaten by Mrs. Songoli and sexually molested by Mr. Songoli, but their two sons are starting to present an ominous threat to Muna's already diminished circumstances.
But, Muna is a clever, resourceful girl. When the younger son mysteriously disappears on his way to school, she uses the opportunity to -finally-improve her life. But at what cost? A terrific, thrilling read that will keep you spellbound right to the last page.
jillheather's review
2.0
It's gripping but incredibly stupid. Read The Scold's Bridle and The Sculptress, then find another author.
listeningtolit's review
4.0
Somehow after reading The Sculptress many, many years ago I had completely forgotten about the twisted, macabre themes that Minette Walters explores in her books. When I picked up this book I knew I was in for a wild, vivid ride with no holds barred.
The writing style is immersive and so well crafted. There are no wasted words in The Cellar and such a wonderful, driving plot with deeply flawed and complex character development.
I enjoyed the ride and you can see by the date started and finished I couldn’t leave it alone!
The ending was quite abrupt and didn’t feel quite right to me, enough so that I removed one star. However on the whole this was a challenging and very well crafted novel. I’m looking forward to reading Walters’ entire back catalogue with glee.
One word of warning: these books are not for the faint hearted. Horrifying themes are explored with little sensitivity. For me the almost clinical nature is part of the appeal.
The writing style is immersive and so well crafted. There are no wasted words in The Cellar and such a wonderful, driving plot with deeply flawed and complex character development.
I enjoyed the ride and you can see by the date started and finished I couldn’t leave it alone!
The ending was quite abrupt and didn’t feel quite right to me, enough so that I removed one star. However on the whole this was a challenging and very well crafted novel. I’m looking forward to reading Walters’ entire back catalogue with glee.
One word of warning: these books are not for the faint hearted. Horrifying themes are explored with little sensitivity. For me the almost clinical nature is part of the appeal.
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