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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
dark
tense
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
While Catton is able to add depth to characters straight out of an airplane novel, the inner monologues to do so feel much more tell-y than show-y. And honestly I just don't think it's possible to turn an Elon Musk-esque billionaire into a believable character.
The interpersonal dynamics within Birnam Wood feel very real, and I appreciated her trying to turn leftist debate into action in the novel. But I think this just adds to the overall tell-y vibe.
Once the very slow burn ultimately picks up 2/3 off the way through, the villain arc is really where trying to go the thriller route just feels particularly strained. It does come together well in the end though.
Overall I thought this was good, but I definitely was expecting something more than what I feel like I got, especially considering the intricacies of her other work.
The interpersonal dynamics within Birnam Wood feel very real, and I appreciated her trying to turn leftist debate into action in the novel. But I think this just adds to the overall tell-y vibe.
Once the very slow burn ultimately picks up 2/3 off the way through, the villain arc is really where trying to go the thriller route just feels particularly strained. It does come together well in the end though.
Overall I thought this was good, but I definitely was expecting something more than what I feel like I got, especially considering the intricacies of her other work.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
Fantastic writing, compelling plot. Catton’s ability to write different rich, complex characters is, at times, astounding. One of the best books I’ve read in a while.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No