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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Slow, the book was interesting but written as a dictation of events. I didn't enjoy it.
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
This felt like the movie Coraline… it was clever and charming while being completely off kilter and eerie.
I'm surprised this book doesn't have a larger readership, or maybe it does and I just haven't heard people talk about it. If you enjoy quirky, dark stories that make you think, you will enjoy this. Currently, we're going through this self-isolation, because of COVID-19. This book just felt so appropriate.
challenging
dark
reflective
dark
mysterious
I wanted so much more out of this book, I loved the world building and wanted more of Merricat's antics and inside her head.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is 160 or so pages long, it feels like 600.
It isn’t an exaggeration to say that absolutely NOTHING happens in this story, the plot is MIA, the characters are as deep as cardboard, the tension is none existent. The ‘culprit’ is obvious from chapter three (it may well be that is supposed to be the case) and I’m really disappointed, I had been looking forward to this for a while as a ‘spooky’ autumn read, I wish I hadn’t bothered.
I’m sure this book is trying to do ‘something’, I just personally have no idea what that ‘something’ is, and feel like I read a garbled mess!
It isn’t an exaggeration to say that absolutely NOTHING happens in this story, the plot is MIA, the characters are as deep as cardboard, the tension is none existent. The ‘culprit’ is obvious from chapter three (it may well be that is supposed to be the case) and I’m really disappointed, I had been looking forward to this for a while as a ‘spooky’ autumn read, I wish I hadn’t bothered.
I’m sure this book is trying to do ‘something’, I just personally have no idea what that ‘something’ is, and feel like I read a garbled mess!
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Themes or characters that resonated with me: The trauma response of isolation by both Merricat and Constance was very relatable. It's like Uncle Julian is my kids, I'm okay being with them. But anyone else, I just want to be left alone, I think a lot about how other people might perceive me.
Emotions, thoughts, or memories it brought up in me: You have to wonder about the neighbors true perceptions. Their offerings after the fire, make you wonder what really happened. Were they trying to repent, or were they sympathetic all along?
Opinion about the author or writing style: It's an interesting book to think about especially because we never exactly find out why the villagers might not like the Blackwoods. The relationship between Merricat and Constance is central to the novel. Their bond is depicted as intensely close, almost symbiotic. Constance’s role is maternal and nurturing, while Merricat's is protective and aggressive. Uncle Julian represents the lingering effects of the family's trauma. His physical and mental deterioration serves as a constant reminder of the past tragedy. His obsession with documenting the events reflects a desperate need to make sense of the incomprehensible. The villagers represent the dangers of scapegoating and mob mentality. They project their fears and frustrations onto the family, using them as a convenient target for their own insecurities and resentments. This collective behavior shows how communities can unite in their animosity towards perceived outsiders.
Favorite Passage:
""Robinson Crusoe dressed in the skins of animals," I told her. "He had no gay cloths with a gold belt.""
My ratings-
Writing Style: 85
Relatability: 95
Originality: 100
Personal impact: 80
Plot: 85
Emotions, thoughts, or memories it brought up in me: You have to wonder about the neighbors true perceptions. Their offerings after the fire, make you wonder what really happened. Were they trying to repent, or were they sympathetic all along?
Opinion about the author or writing style: It's an interesting book to think about especially because we never exactly find out why the villagers might not like the Blackwoods. The relationship between Merricat and Constance is central to the novel. Their bond is depicted as intensely close, almost symbiotic. Constance’s role is maternal and nurturing, while Merricat's is protective and aggressive. Uncle Julian represents the lingering effects of the family's trauma. His physical and mental deterioration serves as a constant reminder of the past tragedy. His obsession with documenting the events reflects a desperate need to make sense of the incomprehensible. The villagers represent the dangers of scapegoating and mob mentality. They project their fears and frustrations onto the family, using them as a convenient target for their own insecurities and resentments. This collective behavior shows how communities can unite in their animosity towards perceived outsiders.
Favorite Passage:
""Robinson Crusoe dressed in the skins of animals," I told her. "He had no gay cloths with a gold belt.""
My ratings-
Writing Style: 85
Relatability: 95
Originality: 100
Personal impact: 80
Plot: 85
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes