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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was so interesting and imaginative, truly a book that captures and captivates. The characters like Godwin Baxter, Bella Baxter, and Duncan Wedderburn are all full of life and spirit. The only one who doesn't really stand out is Archie McCandless who takes a backseat to some of the more colorful spirited characters, though maybe that's by design. I loved it, until we get to the end... (hence the rating), but to avoid spoilers I won't go into detail. Let's just say that Bella Baxter isn't quite what she seems.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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
Men huh? This was such a fun read I was ABSORBED I think every chapter offers something to ponder on and I enjoyed the pondering. 10/10 would read again.
I didn’t want to compare to the film but I will say I’m glad I watched the film adaptation first because I would’ve been so disappointed watching it after reading it. They are two different vibes
Finished on the way back from work
I didn’t want to compare to the film but I will say I’m glad I watched the film adaptation first because I would’ve been so disappointed watching it after reading it. They are two different vibes
Finished on the way back from work
Some parts I really liked, but as it went on it sort of got less and less enjoyable.
I feel like it was trying to say too much, I thought it was meant to be about the morality of loving a women for her childlike qualities but then she became a huge socialist and he heavy politics towards the end kind of lost me tbh
I liked the idea and he whimsy vibes but I'm not sure if it's cause I watched the movie first but I hate to say I may have enjoyed the movie more than this.
I liked the twist that she actually maybe didn't ever have her brain swapped but then there isn't much explanation of like why did the husband make all that up then, kinda random.
Also the fact I had to skim read some parts is a red flag
Definitely enjoyed to begin with though!
I feel like it was trying to say too much, I thought it was meant to be about the morality of loving a women for her childlike qualities but then she became a huge socialist and he heavy politics towards the end kind of lost me tbh
I liked the idea and he whimsy vibes but I'm not sure if it's cause I watched the movie first but I hate to say I may have enjoyed the movie more than this.
I liked the twist that she actually maybe didn't ever have her brain swapped but then there isn't much explanation of like why did the husband make all that up then, kinda random.
Also the fact I had to skim read some parts is a red flag
Definitely enjoyed to begin with though!
4.5⭐
Bizarre, to say the least. But in a clever, enhancing and interesting way. Felt like I rushed it a bit because I needed to return it to the library, but still a very good book with a particularly mind blowing end. I don't think I've ever read a novel that left me wondering how much of it is fiction and how much of it I should believe. Gray's writing skills definitely deserve huge praise for it.
I wonder if the movie does it any justice (or how it transforms its bizarreness on screen), so I guess I'm checking that out later.
Bizarre, to say the least. But in a clever, enhancing and interesting way. Felt like I rushed it a bit because I needed to return it to the library, but still a very good book with a particularly mind blowing end. I don't think I've ever read a novel that left me wondering how much of it is fiction and how much of it I should believe. Gray's writing skills definitely deserve huge praise for it.
I wonder if the movie does it any justice (or how it transforms its bizarreness on screen), so I guess I'm checking that out later.
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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
Completely flips in the last 5th of the book, changing the premise of the entire story.
*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ)*
- DNF at 42% -
Doctor Godwin Baxter revives the body of a dead woman using the brain of her unborn baby, and names her Bella Baxter.
Godwin's friend Doctor McCandless meets Bella and instantly falls in love with her.
Both Godwin and McCandless have plans for Bella, but those are torn up when Bella takes matters into her own hands.
I hadn't heard of this book prior to the film adaptation, and while the concept is somewhat disturbing, I was intrigued to see what would happen. Unfortunately, I ended up not enjoying it and did stop reading at 42%.
Part of the book is told from the perspective of McCandless, who I didn't like - the first time he saw Bella he supposedly fell instantly in love with her and wanted to marry her. He knew nothing about Bella except what Godwin had told him.
I felt sorry for Bella, and the circumstances of her creation.
The Victorian setting was interesting.
The book is told from several perspectives and with some very long letters interspersed between these. It was during one of these long letters that I began to skim read. Not invested and uninterested in what was happening, I decided to stop reading. I don't think the writing style helped, as I didn't find it engaging.
I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this, but it really bothered me the way Bella was treated and portrayed.
Overall, this was not an enjoyable read.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes