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lauraborkpower's review against another edition
2.0
This is an over-the-top, absurd, and melodramatic thriller. It could have been more fun had it been less earnest or, on the flip side, even more absurd. But it seemed to take itself a bit too seriously, which I think (having also read the equally unbelievable Sharp Objects) might be an earmark of Flynn's fiction.
Here's the thing: Flynn can write. She has a great voice and an attitude of playfulness when it comes to narrative. But it's as though she had this great idea for a really interesting thriller told using an innovative narrative style, but then she didn't know how to finish it. So, about halfway through the book, it turns into a Lifetime movie. And the really, really corny Lifetime movie. Not the one starring Kathy Bates or Shirley MacClaine, but the one starring that one actress you saw in that one episode of Melrose Place in 1997.
One of the book club babes made the argument that the book was about the bubble that bursts in a relationship when you realize that both people are being untruthful about who they really are. And yes, there are certainly elements of that. But the plot is so overly dramatic that it never felt like a true theme, which is unfortunate because I'd have liked to read that story.
I don't think there's a likeable character in the book. Or a realistic emotional connection, except for, perhaps, Nick and Go's. Otherwise, it's a cast of weirdos doing weirdo things. So read it because the first half is really a page-turner: it's exciting and fun. But don't expect much from the last 200 pages.
Here's the thing: Flynn can write. She has a great voice and an attitude of playfulness when it comes to narrative. But it's as though she had this great idea for a really interesting thriller told using an innovative narrative style, but then she didn't know how to finish it. So, about halfway through the book, it turns into a Lifetime movie. And the really, really corny Lifetime movie. Not the one starring Kathy Bates or Shirley MacClaine, but the one starring that one actress you saw in that one episode of Melrose Place in 1997.
One of the book club babes made the argument that the book was about the bubble that bursts in a relationship when you realize that both people are being untruthful about who they really are. And yes, there are certainly elements of that. But the plot is so overly dramatic that it never felt like a true theme, which is unfortunate because I'd have liked to read that story.
I don't think there's a likeable character in the book. Or a realistic emotional connection, except for, perhaps, Nick and Go's. Otherwise, it's a cast of weirdos doing weirdo things. So read it because the first half is really a page-turner: it's exciting and fun. But don't expect much from the last 200 pages.
skyeharkin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ababs's review against another edition
4.0
This story was captivating! The twists along the way kept me guessing, and I definitely felt strongly about the characters. Hearing about events from both perspectives and not in chronological order made the whole thing seem like a puzzle we were trying to put together... but with some pieces missing and some extra pieces thrown in the mix. I wasn't happy with the ending, but I can appreciate why the author chose to end it that way.
victoriouscity's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hayley_rose'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Didn't overly enjoy this unfortunately, felt it lacked pace and whilst the storyline was clever it took so long to get anywhere. Didn't enjoy the characters particularly either.
heyyoukindacute's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
allielit's review against another edition
2.0
Give these two a reality show, for all their issues. I know marriage isn't perfect, but damn.
klaireparavel's review against another edition
4.0
Every time I thought I knew, around the corner a new twist appeared and left me furiously scrambling to keep up. I hated both the main characters, which made me love the book more, each act building on the next, and the ending so completely appropriate.