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taliatalksbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard was a bit convoluted, but oh so worth it. I usually hate non-linear, repetitive timelines, and I fully expected this to be one of the worst offenders after the first few chapters, but I very quickly learned I was going to be proven wrong. I really liked the characters in this book, and felt torn between loving them and hating them (but loving to hate them). I loved the way it switched perspective, and our author really delivered here because I almost never say that. The way details were revealed kept you guessing throughout, and while I would say this is more of a mystery than a thriller, I was intrigued and devoured this in 2 sittings (because silly me I started it at 9PM on a work night). I could have easily read this cover to cover if given enough time and I think if you’re a fan of mysterious but realistic stories, this would be a great fit. I truly liked this book far more than I thought I would, so I tip my hat to @bookofthemonth for bringing this one into my life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Medical content, Terminal illness, Violence, Murder, Child death, Pandemic/Epidemic, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
aoliv__25's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
TLDR: Concept better than execution.
Quick read with twists you can be ahead on whilst reliving COVID. If you like a genuinely good plot twist, a true thriller, developed characters or artful writing, skip.
Clearly this book divides people. I liked the premise, the Dublin setting and not much else. The writing style is very basic; there's nothing skillful about the prose, which makes it accessible but personally I found it dull. I had no investment in the detective chapters (could have been cut), and very little in the MC's, individually or intertwined. I was praying their characters would go somewhere more complex than I was guessing when the backstory started to be discussed, but unfortunately was correct in my predictions and therefore unshocked by the twists. The different POV's using word-for-word repetition felt tedious and lazy, and it seemed unable to create the desired intimacy effect due to the choice of third person narrative to do it - idk it just felt clunky. With the book feeling about 100 pages too long, the repetition really should have been cut in edits. The tension also felt pretty low throughout. For me, this is crime, not a thriller. Overall, I'd recommend reading the full synopsis rather than the actual book.
I have a particular issue with Ciara's later 'true' first meeting section as it just renders the first one pointless for a cliche "it was all a lie" twist with no real meat to it. The "but I accidentally fell in love" element was also so cringey and could have been removed completely and the book made better
Quick read with twists you can be ahead on whilst reliving COVID. If you like a genuinely good plot twist, a true thriller, developed characters or artful writing, skip.
Clearly this book divides people. I liked the premise, the Dublin setting and not much else. The writing style is very basic; there's nothing skillful about the prose, which makes it accessible but personally I found it dull. I had no investment in the detective chapters (could have been cut), and very little in the MC's, individually or intertwined. I was praying their characters would go somewhere more complex than I was guessing when the backstory started to be discussed, but unfortunately was correct in my predictions and therefore unshocked by the twists. The different POV's using word-for-word repetition felt tedious and lazy, and it seemed unable to create the desired intimacy effect due to the choice of third person narrative to do it - idk it just felt clunky. With the book feeling about 100 pages too long, the repetition really should have been cut in edits. The tension also felt pretty low throughout. For me, this is crime, not a thriller. Overall, I'd recommend reading the full synopsis rather than the actual book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Death, Child death, Gore, Stalking, and Child abuse
mila_nights's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.5
"I had such high hopes for this book! The concept was great, the setting was unique, but the execution was unsatisfying"
This review offers my personal thoughts on '56 days' and it appears my perspective might differ from the popular opinion. While I recognise that this book has well-received by many, I found myself having a more nuanced experience. My intention in sharing my perspective is not to undermine anyone's enjoyment or discredit the author but rather to contribute to a well-rounded conversation. I believe that every reader's interpretation adds value, and I'm eager to engage with those who have differing opinions.
Review
While the premise held promise to start with, the execution fell flat in several critical aspects, ultimately leading to a disappointing read.
The pacing of the book was a major issue, I struggled to stay committed to it. The narrative drags on for much of the story, struggling to maintain a consistent level of tension. Instead of building suspense, the plot continuously meanders, which left me often feeling impatient whilst waiting for something substantial to happen. Due to the lack of momentum, it made it difficult to stay engaged and invested in the characters.
Speaking of characters, their development felt quite uninspired. Despite the major potential for intricate psychological exploration, the characters felt artificial, and their interactions felt forced, which made it challenging to connect with their experiences. As a result, the emotional investment to the characters and interest in their fate was diminished.
The narrative structure, which alternates between past and present, contributes to the disjointed feeling of the book. While dual timelines can usually enhance suspense and interest, in '56 Days', it only added to the confusion and hindered the flow of the plot.
Furthermore, the major plot twist was disappointing. Rather than surprising revelations that adds depth to the story, the twist was absurd, requiring a suspension of disbelief that strained credibility.
In conclusion, for me it failed to live up to its potential as a psychological thriller. The slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and implausible plot twist make for a frustrating and unsatisfying reading experience. While there may be moments of intrigue, they are unfortunately overshadowed by the book's overall execution.
The pacing of the book was a major issue, I struggled to stay committed to it. The narrative drags on for much of the story, struggling to maintain a consistent level of tension. Instead of building suspense, the plot continuously meanders, which left me often feeling impatient whilst waiting for something substantial to happen. Due to the lack of momentum, it made it difficult to stay engaged and invested in the characters.
Speaking of characters, their development felt quite uninspired. Despite the major potential for intricate psychological exploration, the characters felt artificial, and their interactions felt forced, which made it challenging to connect with their experiences. As a result, the emotional investment to the characters and interest in their fate was diminished.
The narrative structure, which alternates between past and present, contributes to the disjointed feeling of the book. While dual timelines can usually enhance suspense and interest, in '56 Days', it only added to the confusion and hindered the flow of the plot.
Furthermore, the major plot twist was disappointing. Rather than surprising revelations that adds depth to the story, the twist was absurd, requiring a suspension of disbelief that strained credibility.
In conclusion, for me it failed to live up to its potential as a psychological thriller. The slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and implausible plot twist make for a frustrating and unsatisfying reading experience. While there may be moments of intrigue, they are unfortunately overshadowed by the book's overall execution.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Murder, Violence, Bullying, Stalking, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Suicide and Pandemic/Epidemic
amris's review against another edition
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Death, Blood, Child death, Confinement, and Violence
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic, Terminal illness, Suicide, and Grief
livpaige93's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Murder, and Violence
madisonrhoff's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Normally I would stray far far away from a book even mentioning COVID-19. But the plot of this book was too intriguing and I picked it up anyways, hopeful because it was a Barnes and Noble monthly pick. Gotta say, I wasn’t disappointed. Plot was a bit slow, especially in the middle, but I loved the progression of finding out more and more of the mystery and background of the characters. Very unexpected twist, I thought, and I liked the multiple points of view. Nice read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Body horror, Murder, and Violence
happyknitter2020's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Upsetting story as followed a real murder of a child in the UK & writing basic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Child death, Death, Grief, Murder, Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Violence
ellivallow's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child death, Death, and Toxic relationship
hannah_l2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was incredible. I loved the writing style ( a mix between thrid person and first) and I loved the constant changing of perspectives. I devoured this book. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and I hope Catherine Ryan Howard continues to write so I can read more of her fabulous words!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
emil7793's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence