Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Rebecca

My first 5* read of 2023! And surprisingly so. I did not expect much because "classics" aren't usually my thing. But the many positive opinions about this novel made me pick it up.

I have seldomly read a book this captivating. The start is really slow and I kept thinking to myself "why is nothing happening but I cannot stop reading?". The main character's stream of consciousness writing made the experience immersive. In some ways, I could sympathize with her naivite and her struggles to try and fit into this world that clearly has no place for her. But it's this exact writing that evokes this feeling of wanting to know what's going on. You share her feeling that things seem off, she doesn't fit it, but you're never quite able to grasp the WHY of that, because neither does she - until you're already two thirds finished.

You definitely have to keep in mind the time where this was written to put some statements into perspective.

This novel had me speechless and gasping multiple times. I definitely plan on rereading this sometime. I feel like the narrator's way of portraying what is happening around her is a clever way to cover the many layers and nuances of the actual story. I am excited to uncover even more once I can look beyond that. A strong recommendation for anyone that loves mystery and gothic atmosphere.

5/5*

Content Warnings

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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