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thebobsphere's review against another edition
5.0
The Vet’s Daughter is one of those books where the reader should go in knowing as little as possible so I’ll break tradition and not provide a summary, although the cover does contain a little clue what to expect. I will say that I had a tremendous time reading it.
Over the years I’ve found out that I REALLY like gothic novels, especially ones written by women : Daphne du Maurier, Shirley Jackson, Sylvia Townshend Warner , Muriel Spark, Flannery O’ Connor, Otessa Moshfegh the list goes on. Like these authors’ books. The Vet’s Daughter contains grotesque characters, some dark moments and a bit of a body count. It’s also written in a flowing manner so it can be read in one sitting.
The book itself is about emancipation, which I see is a common theme in gothic fiction as well. The question is that it always happens in unconventional ways and The Vet’s Daughter is no exception.
I think that Barbara Comyns, despite The Vet’s Daughter always being in print (and now a lot of her books are being reissued by Daunt Press) is an underrated author. I do urge people who love gothic fiction to check out The Vet’s Daughter as it is an example of how the genre can be executed well.
Over the years I’ve found out that I REALLY like gothic novels, especially ones written by women : Daphne du Maurier, Shirley Jackson, Sylvia Townshend Warner , Muriel Spark, Flannery O’ Connor, Otessa Moshfegh the list goes on. Like these authors’ books. The Vet’s Daughter contains grotesque characters, some dark moments and a bit of a body count. It’s also written in a flowing manner so it can be read in one sitting.
The book itself is about emancipation, which I see is a common theme in gothic fiction as well. The question is that it always happens in unconventional ways and The Vet’s Daughter is no exception.
I think that Barbara Comyns, despite The Vet’s Daughter always being in print (and now a lot of her books are being reissued by Daunt Press) is an underrated author. I do urge people who love gothic fiction to check out The Vet’s Daughter as it is an example of how the genre can be executed well.
thedaydreamerdiary's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lwrenable_91's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.25
tamsinese's review
5.0
I really cannot describe how much I love barbara comyns. Every time I even see one of her books resting on a counter in my house I break into a smile, she’s such a genius, I’ve never seen someone take the familiar into the unfamiliar in such a beautiful and exhilarating way, and I wish more people had heard of her. Every time I read another book by her I think it might be my favorite. I wish I could read this one over and over again, and I wish I could read it backwards and upside down too
gloomylamp's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Death of parent
Minor: Suicide
krobart's review
4.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2015/09/01/day-763-the-vets-daughter/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2015/09/01/day-763-the-vets-daughter/
thebookboy's review
5.0
More of a 4.5 but rounding it up to a 5 due to sheer enjoyment.
I love anything a bit quirky and gothic, so The Vet's Daughter was the perfect choice. Reminiscent of Shirley Jackson's style and yet with a more prominent thread of good humour running through, Comyns' novel is a fun exploration into Edwardian England, gender roles, parental tyranny, the fragility of young women at the time and much, much more.
It's a highly visual piece - there are parrots in the bathroom, small sets of puppies, deaf/mute characters who can only converse with their hands. It feels sort of like a fairytale in many ways (wicked "stepmother", magical goings on, escapes to the countryside) and yet it retains a really nice sense of unique power which means that it doesn't feel cliche or tired.
Highly recommended - I think these characters will stick with me for a long time!
5 stars.
I love anything a bit quirky and gothic, so The Vet's Daughter was the perfect choice. Reminiscent of Shirley Jackson's style and yet with a more prominent thread of good humour running through, Comyns' novel is a fun exploration into Edwardian England, gender roles, parental tyranny, the fragility of young women at the time and much, much more.
It's a highly visual piece - there are parrots in the bathroom, small sets of puppies, deaf/mute characters who can only converse with their hands. It feels sort of like a fairytale in many ways (wicked "stepmother", magical goings on, escapes to the countryside) and yet it retains a really nice sense of unique power which means that it doesn't feel cliche or tired.
Highly recommended - I think these characters will stick with me for a long time!
5 stars.