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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The best book I’ve read in such a long time. So beautifully written, such a gripping tale
I was skeptic to read based on other reviews, but the concept is obviously both stomach churning and attention grabbing. The narration of abuse is obviously horrific, but it actually wasn't the only/main plot of the book nor was it overtly graphic/exaggerated. Other reviewers complained that the details of "what happened" were not explicit, but I think it wasn't needed or desired by the reader. This is due to the main focus being about family dysfunction, the psychology of recovering from abuse, as well as what can be forgiven. I thought the story was essentially a story of siblings and family dynamics which can be dysfunctional or cohesive in both the best and wort of times.
I also thought the storytelling format was unique, clever, and well thought through which is amazing for any author especially one making their debut. The plot was laid out in a continually moving forward narrative, but inter dispersed in 3 timelines (as kids during the abuse, the aftermath of escaping, and in present day as grown ups years later through a plot point that the author set up as a way to require them to reconnect.)
The chapters then follow each one of the protagonist siblings as told through that oldest daughters POV during all 3 timelines. This allows the author to create depth to each character all while moving narrative forward.
Lastly, clearly this was loosely historically fictionalized version of a few very similar true crime stories (at least I believe it is), but the author took liberties in a positive way of building her own depth-fully explored characters within the frame work of the events that happened all while diving into a complex psychological and emotional story.
It is dark and not for the faint of heart, but if you like disturbing complex psychological stories then dive in as told through a narrative device like the adaptation of Firefly Lane on netflix. The good reads header is pretty accurate in that in combines elements of Sharp Objects and Room.
I also thought the storytelling format was unique, clever, and well thought through which is amazing for any author especially one making their debut. The plot was laid out in a continually moving forward narrative, but inter dispersed in 3 timelines (as kids during the abuse, the aftermath of escaping, and in present day as grown ups years later through a plot point that the author set up as a way to require them to reconnect.)
The chapters then follow each one of the protagonist siblings as told through that oldest daughters POV during all 3 timelines. This allows the author to create depth to each character all while moving narrative forward.
Lastly, clearly this was loosely historically fictionalized version of a few very similar true crime stories (at least I believe it is), but the author took liberties in a positive way of building her own depth-fully explored characters within the frame work of the events that happened all while diving into a complex psychological and emotional story.
It is dark and not for the faint of heart, but if you like disturbing complex psychological stories then dive in as told through a narrative device like the adaptation of Firefly Lane on netflix. The good reads header is pretty accurate in that in combines elements of Sharp Objects and Room.
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Dark and horrible to the point you can't put it down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
An intense story, but one that definitely held my attention the entire time.
Can someone please tell me what happened? Very few things were clear but everything was depressing. This is not a thriller. 2.5
5 STARS!!! An amazing read I could not put down!!!
Girl A by Abigail Dean is a gripping and uncomfortable thriller that follows the story of Lex Gracie, a young woman who manages to escape from her abusive family and exposes their atrocities to the world.
The book is written from different and quickly shifting points of view, which many readers here have mentioned as something they disliked. However, I think the author did an excellent job of weaving together the different stories of the Gracie family. Each character's perspective added depth and emotion, and I found myself invested in their lives and their struggles.
It DOES take some effort to read, as it is both emotionally upsetting and complex with the shifting voices. However, it is totally and completely worth the time and attention.
Overall, I would highly recommend Girl A to anyone who enjoys thrillers that are suspenseful and emotionally charged. It may not be for everyone, but if you're willing to dive into a complex and thought-provoking story, then this book is definitely worth your time.
Girl A by Abigail Dean is a gripping and uncomfortable thriller that follows the story of Lex Gracie, a young woman who manages to escape from her abusive family and exposes their atrocities to the world.
The book is written from different and quickly shifting points of view, which many readers here have mentioned as something they disliked. However, I think the author did an excellent job of weaving together the different stories of the Gracie family. Each character's perspective added depth and emotion, and I found myself invested in their lives and their struggles.
It DOES take some effort to read, as it is both emotionally upsetting and complex with the shifting voices. However, it is totally and completely worth the time and attention.
Overall, I would highly recommend Girl A to anyone who enjoys thrillers that are suspenseful and emotionally charged. It may not be for everyone, but if you're willing to dive into a complex and thought-provoking story, then this book is definitely worth your time.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow that was a rollercoaster! I loved the way this was told with all the uncertainty and turns.