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ashleyw's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
daniielaph's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
rsehrlich's review
dark
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
laurenjade_'s review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was really different to a lot of things I've read: it was part thriller, part romance, part paranormal.
The book tells the story of our protagonist, Roos, a young woman who can see spirits - namely, a spirit who has attached herself to Roos, Ruth.
There's a deep sadness throughout this tale. Roos is just a woman who just wants someone to love her for who she is, yet she's unable to find that. She's naive and vulnerable, and she's so lonely as a result of who she is, and how she's been raised. The story follows Roos as her life begins to change, and how her choices begin to affect those around her.
I think the author has written this so well as I still, even after finishing the book and seeing the conclusion, do not know whether Ruth (and Peter, and Thomas) are real. Whether they're actually spirits that can be seen, or whether they're simply the conjuring of a mentally unwell woman/women.
I enjoyed the recorded conversations with the doctor that are dotted throughout the book, I think they added a really unique take on the story.
I'd definitely read something by Johanna Van Veen again, and I really recommend this as a unique read to anyone who is looking for something a bit different!
The book tells the story of our protagonist, Roos, a young woman who can see spirits - namely, a spirit who has attached herself to Roos, Ruth.
There's a deep sadness throughout this tale. Roos is just a woman who just wants someone to love her for who she is, yet she's unable to find that. She's naive and vulnerable, and she's so lonely as a result of who she is, and how she's been raised. The story follows Roos as her life begins to change, and how her choices begin to affect those around her.
I think the author has written this so well as I still, even after finishing the book and seeing the conclusion, do not know whether Ruth (and Peter, and Thomas) are real. Whether they're actually spirits that can be seen, or whether they're simply the conjuring of a mentally unwell woman/women.
I enjoyed the recorded conversations with the doctor that are dotted throughout the book, I think they added a really unique take on the story.
I'd definitely read something by Johanna Van Veen again, and I really recommend this as a unique read to anyone who is looking for something a bit different!
dezthereader's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ayoderable's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
World felt fleshed out. Very atmospheric. MC is kind of dumb but I guess it makes sense given how sheltered she was before leaving her mother's house. Love as consumption again.
willie_g's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emaurreads's review
4.0
thank you netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to this arc!
that book was a wild ride. from the constant back and forth of the story and the doctors notes, it really kept me engaged and interested!
now i wouldn’t really label it as horror because to me the book wasn’t scary at all, but it was 100% gothic!
a good read but not something i’d read again.
that book was a wild ride. from the constant back and forth of the story and the doctors notes, it really kept me engaged and interested!
now i wouldn’t really label it as horror because to me the book wasn’t scary at all, but it was 100% gothic!
a good read but not something i’d read again.