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3.28 AVERAGE
3.28 AVERAGE
It is important to know and read about H P Lovecraft in order to appreciate this book. Because I had literally never even heard about Lovecraft, I spent the first half of this book completely lost and befuddled. I then figured out that I needed to digress into Lovecraft land before continuing with this book. Having done so, I was then able to suspend reality just enough to arrive at a semblance of appreciation of this book. Take my advice. If like me you have no idea who Lovecraft is, discover him and his Dunwich Horror before proceeding.
I don’t know quite how to describe this. I want to say it’s not your typical beginning, middle, or end. There were parts that you felt like they were leading up to something, but it didn’t turn out the way you expected to. The end leaves you wondering. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I know that can frustrate some people. Overall, I really enjoyed it
I am giving this book two stars because I absolutely loved the first 30% and stayed up till 3am reading it. Unfortunately, that's as good as it got. After that stellar beginning, the story was retold several times almost exactly the same way. The same thing kept happening and I kept wondering what the point of it was. There are characters that I found to be completely unnecessary to the story. If they were taken out of the book, it wouldn't make a difference. Most importantly, what happened? WHY did it happen? What is the meaning of it all? I didn't get any of these answers and if it is supposed to be open ended, it left me hanging.
The main character had so much potential. Emotionally, physically, and mentally there was so much there to work with, but there was little to no development. I think that if the book had taken a different angle it would have made much more sense, but the direction it went in left me completely unsatisfied.
The female main character was unlikeable to me. She was weak and such a pushover- so easily manipulated. She loves a character but NEVER through the entire book did she stand up for him or say anything to the jerks. that was just so dumb to me. Idk I am so sad I didn't love it but as usual, the writing is great. There was a ton of quotes I highlighted but this just wasn't for me.
The main character had so much potential. Emotionally, physically, and mentally there was so much there to work with, but there was little to no development. I think that if the book had taken a different angle it would have made much more sense, but the direction it went in left me completely unsatisfied.
The female main character was unlikeable to me. She was weak and such a pushover- so easily manipulated. She loves a character but NEVER through the entire book did she stand up for him or say anything to the jerks. that was just so dumb to me. Idk I am so sad I didn't love it but as usual, the writing is great. There was a ton of quotes I highlighted but this just wasn't for me.
Hm. I don't really know how to feel after finishing this. I enjoy Caroline Kepnes' writing, but I couldn't get all the way behind this story. It's definitely one that I will continue to think about and will probably enjoy the more I do.
Providence completely shocked and surprised me. It was a ‘cover buy’ of sorts. It was on a display at my local library and without even really knowing anything about the book (or even reading the back cover). Little did I know the book would contain one of my favorite themes: HP Lovecraft.
I’ve found that the more I read thrillers the more I realize they’re a lot like action or spy movies – it’s always better to not read the trailer and just hop in blind. I highly suggest doing that with thrillers and especially Providence.
The story starts with two unlikely best friends in New Hampshire – Jon, a quiet and slightly nerdy boy and Chloe, an outgoing, pretty, popular young girl. Although they seem an unlikely match at first glance, they actually have a very close relationship and a way to understand each other in ways that other people just can’t.
Then, Jon goes missing.
For weeks and then months and then years, Chloe mourns Jon. Without her best friend, she is forced to navigate high school alone, the popular crowd, and life without Jon.
**SPOILERS**
Then, Jon comes back.
Although the back of the book says Jon ‘escapes’…that isn’t quite right. In fact, Jon is freed. We find out he was kidnapped by his substitute teacher who is obsessed with H.P. Lovecraft (and a misguided plot to ‘save’ humanity). He returns home to media coverage, a hugely relieved family, an inability to talk to Chloe, and a changed body.
Specifically, anyone he has strong feelings for (good or bad) dies in front of him.
Enter in the second act, a third character: A detective, Eggie, with a troubled home life who becomes fascinated (and obsessed) by a series of vigilante killings that appear connected.
We follow these three characters through the years, their ups-and-downs, and the fateful night where all three cross paths.
While this is a fascinating plot and concept and I loved the interplay between the three characters as it really made me feel engaged with the story from all angles. This deepens both the plot and our ability to relate to the characters as we saw their similarities and differences and connections through the pages.
Despite this, sadly, the book at times suffers from pacing issues. If this book was cut down by 50-80 pages, I think it would have been a little more gripping and a little less frustrating.
Providence forces us to think about the complex relationships that exist when big human emotions are involved. Thinking about fitting in and being yourself, love and identity, passion and obsession, preservation and destruction, love and hate, and how the lines between these pairs are anything but simple. Highly suggest for those a fan of thrillers, Lovecraft, sci-fi, and human emotion!
I’ve found that the more I read thrillers the more I realize they’re a lot like action or spy movies – it’s always better to not read the trailer and just hop in blind. I highly suggest doing that with thrillers and especially Providence.
The story starts with two unlikely best friends in New Hampshire – Jon, a quiet and slightly nerdy boy and Chloe, an outgoing, pretty, popular young girl. Although they seem an unlikely match at first glance, they actually have a very close relationship and a way to understand each other in ways that other people just can’t.
Then, Jon goes missing.
For weeks and then months and then years, Chloe mourns Jon. Without her best friend, she is forced to navigate high school alone, the popular crowd, and life without Jon.
**SPOILERS**
Then, Jon comes back.
Although the back of the book says Jon ‘escapes’…that isn’t quite right. In fact, Jon is freed. We find out he was kidnapped by his substitute teacher who is obsessed with H.P. Lovecraft (and a misguided plot to ‘save’ humanity). He returns home to media coverage, a hugely relieved family, an inability to talk to Chloe, and a changed body.
Specifically, anyone he has strong feelings for (good or bad) dies in front of him.
Enter in the second act, a third character: A detective, Eggie, with a troubled home life who becomes fascinated (and obsessed) by a series of vigilante killings that appear connected.
We follow these three characters through the years, their ups-and-downs, and the fateful night where all three cross paths.
While this is a fascinating plot and concept and I loved the interplay between the three characters as it really made me feel engaged with the story from all angles. This deepens both the plot and our ability to relate to the characters as we saw their similarities and differences and connections through the pages.
Despite this, sadly, the book at times suffers from pacing issues. If this book was cut down by 50-80 pages, I think it would have been a little more gripping and a little less frustrating.
Providence forces us to think about the complex relationships that exist when big human emotions are involved. Thinking about fitting in and being yourself, love and identity, passion and obsession, preservation and destruction, love and hate, and how the lines between these pairs are anything but simple. Highly suggest for those a fan of thrillers, Lovecraft, sci-fi, and human emotion!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
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