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lindsaysofia_25's review
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.25
A very interesting premise that was very well executed! This novel crossed genre lines to some extent as it was a mystery but it could also be considered a member of the type of slightly supernatural realism one might consider Edible Woman to be. It was also a historical fiction, and a very well-researched one at that! It dealt with quite a few rather heavy themes in a very nuanced manner and did so in such a way that felt well-integrated with the plot.
The twist ending was done perfectly! It was completely unexpected yet made perfect sense. I found myself piecing things together throughout the book but did not predict precisely how everything would resolve. The author clearly put a lot of thought into planning this novel!
The twist ending was done perfectly! It was completely unexpected yet made perfect sense. I found myself piecing things together throughout the book but did not predict precisely how everything would resolve. The author clearly put a lot of thought into planning this novel!
mactammonty's review against another edition
1.0
The first chapter was good. The next chapter was not coherent. The character's thoughts wee were disjointed as were the background descriptions. If this had been a movie I would have felt sea sick from the bad camera work.
jannie_mtl's review against another edition
5.0
This is a brilliant novel, and kept me hanging on throughout.
Heike has a tragic backstory, and is married to a scientist who is overbearing. The tension between the couple is palpable, and then the unthinkable happens: their young son goes missing while they are out at a party.
Then things began to unravel.
Highly recommended.
Heike has a tragic backstory, and is married to a scientist who is overbearing. The tension between the couple is palpable, and then the unthinkable happens: their young son goes missing while they are out at a party.
Then things began to unravel.
Highly recommended.
clarehitchens's review
5.0
I had to keep taking breaks from this book because the anxiety it induced in me was so high. Elisabeth de Mariaffi is simply one of the best writers there is. Problem is I gobble up her books in a day and then have to wait for the next!
In Hysteria, we don't know what's real, and what is imagined; what's dangerous and what's just "nerves"; who is safe and who isn't. All is eventually made clear, but not before the reader starts to doubt his/her own mind. A terrific thriller. As with de Mariaffi's last book, I think this would make an excellent film.
In Hysteria, we don't know what's real, and what is imagined; what's dangerous and what's just "nerves"; who is safe and who isn't. All is eventually made clear, but not before the reader starts to doubt his/her own mind. A terrific thriller. As with de Mariaffi's last book, I think this would make an excellent film.
moonbeam_erin's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
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