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astareads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Self harm, Suicide, Grief, Medical content, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Blood, Emotional abuse, and Gun violence
Moderate: Abortion, Panic attacks/disorders, and Ableism
Minor: Fatphobia
necessary_rotting's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
It is nothing I would discourage anyone from reading, but it isn't something I'd reach for when recommending to a friend. I didn't dislike reading it (although I found the main character insufferable), but it's not a story that will stick with me.
As someone into thrillers and true crimes, it was a little too obvious. That being said, if you're looking for a quick read this isn't a bad choice. With this being ruth ware's first novel, I'll probably check out her other ones.
Graphic: Gun violence, Alcohol, and Suicide
Moderate: Drug use and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Abortion, Toxic relationship, and Outing
phantasmaboo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
Overall, I thought this was a solid book by Ware, although not one of their strongest. The plot is told in a most non-chronological order, flashing the reader forward and back as Nora's memories unwind. I wouldn't say the ending was a surprise, and I did think that it was quite abrupt considering the pacing of the other parts of the book. Still, it was set up well and I could feel the tension in the final sections. I couldn't stop reading.
Some characters are fairly well-developed, while others only partially so. It was easy to tell who among the 6-7 "main" characters were suspects, because they received the most care and attention. Some side characters, like Nina, were developed more, but there were others who, quite literally, disappeared mid book only to never be discussed again. I found myself wondering why those characters were there at all if their sole purpose was to disappear.
As I mentioned, the ending was not a surprise and it was abrupt compared to the rest of the pacing. I wish that there had been more investigation on behalf of the protagonist, more so than what was in the final chapters of the book. Still, I think that the plot did well at making the reader doubt the protagonist's memory.
Finally, there were several incidents of xenophobic language used by Ware. For example, one person of color in the book is a taxi driver, whose accent is mocked by the main character as being "funny", a detail that was completely unnecessary other than to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. I would recommend the read with the understanding that this type language is used. It's not surprising as books by Ware have contained fatphobic and xenophobic language used.
Moderate: Abortion and Pregnancy
Minor: Xenophobia
kelley_beth's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Abortion, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Drug use
sallyrooneystan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Death
Minor: Abortion
chris_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, Death, Gun violence, and Medical content
Moderate: Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, and Alcohol
Minor: Abortion, Drug use, Outing, Suicide attempt, and Adult/minor relationship
baiwolwie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Abortion
belladonnashrike's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
reminded me a lot of of gillian flynn’s work.
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Gun violence, Murder, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Car accident, Medical content, Pregnancy, Abortion, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Vomit
Minor: Drug use and Alcohol
g_occhialini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Blood and Murder
Minor: Abortion
courtney_g's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death
Minor: Suicide attempt and Abortion