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carriedoodledoo's review against another edition
3.0
This actually popped up in my reading list just as I was cast in the role of Christine Penmark in a local production of "The Bad Seed". The play is about a little girl who the mother (Christine) comes to realize is manipulative, a liar, a thief...and very violent. Naturally, this book just clicked! The very definition of serendipity! While Hanna is younger and her mental illness isn't quite the same as Rhoda's, we can see right into her mind via the alternating chapters of viewpoints. Very good job!
amylowe's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hb_bookworm's review against another edition
2.0
compelling - it kept me turning pages, and was genuinely creepy. I liked the idea of exploring medical trauma and family dynamics (especially mother/daughter dynamics) but the pacing felt weird and it was almost like none of characters were never really 100% consistent or right? I can't nail down exactly why this didn't work so well for me - the ending wasn't the big shocker it was hyped up to be, and I feel like there could have been a lot more done with the Suzette's fear of her own anger, Hanna's manipulation of Alex, and the general sense of unreality. everything just felt either too blatant or too subtle. just kinda eh, but I stuck with it to the end and did feel genuinely creeped out and tense reading it.
celticraven's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book reminded me of A Clockwork Orange, the Early Years. While that book is practically illegible, this book was very clear but also dreadfully tough to read at times. Definitely affirms my decision to never have children.
miamuller's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, and Mental illness
elizabethgenter's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
kateykake's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kkaderabek's review against another edition
5.0
I couldn't put this one down. I really enjoyed the back and forth chapters between mom and daughters point of view, as you can see their perceptions of events. Hanna, the daughter, was super disturbing and at every break in reading I just wanted to get back to see what she was going to do. Definitely a fun, slightly dark, read.