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uncreativeoops's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Gothic, insofar that it's very focused on creating atmosphere and there's a mysterious monster that doesn't actually appears much but is very much a presence at all times. I will say this mostly feels like a historical novel, with an unusual but really interesting perspective on WW1. Very beautiful writing and I assume a lot of research went into the setting. The characters were amazing and I really liked the main dynamic. Not sure how I feel about the resolution and the ending.
Also, we need more jackdaws as main characters, drummerboy was a delight.
Also, we need more jackdaws as main characters, drummerboy was a delight.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, War, Ableism, Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Animal death, and Blood
Minor: Abortion, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcoholism
wednesdayzombie's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
wunkymatts's review
4.0
What a gorgeous novel. There's not enough sumptuously written, gothically tinged historical dramas being written at the moment and the world is poorer for it.
The atmosphere created by the stunning writing in this book is sublime, as are the characters. The world of an isolated hospital during the First World War is wonderfully realised.
The pacing didn't quite work though. The supernatural elements are intriguing, but not explored nearly as well as they could be. There is also a lot of action seemingly stuffed into the last quarter of the book, whereas if it has been more evenly spaced out the story would have flowed better. There were moments when the narrative felt bogged down.
The descriptions of Freddy's artwork at the beginning of the chapters was a lovely touch, but it would have been even better if someone had been commissioned to create the artworks to include in the book.
The atmosphere created by the stunning writing in this book is sublime, as are the characters. The world of an isolated hospital during the First World War is wonderfully realised.
The pacing didn't quite work though. The supernatural elements are intriguing, but not explored nearly as well as they could be. There is also a lot of action seemingly stuffed into the last quarter of the book, whereas if it has been more evenly spaced out the story would have flowed better. There were moments when the narrative felt bogged down.
The descriptions of Freddy's artwork at the beginning of the chapters was a lovely touch, but it would have been even better if someone had been commissioned to create the artworks to include in the book.
mobiusstripes's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
loki29's review
A very slow book. I got around halfway and had to stop reading. While the friendship between the two characters was nice, it wasn't enough to keep a plot going. The story had potential but doesn't seem to really get going
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Bullying, War, Forced institutionalization, and Animal death
Moderate: Self harm
kristina_87's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
childdeirdre's review
3.0
I don't like slow burns, so I struggled with this book at times. Every time it looked like it was going to pick up the pace, it slowed down again. But at the same I enjoyed the atmosphere and the mystery. It eventually got me where I was meant to be and the end left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I recommend it.