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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
An interesting read set at the time of the Spanish Flu pandemic. At times a bit frustrating with manipulative story lines dragged out. I kept feeling like saying "get on with it". Not smooth.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
The central concept of this book is bold and interesting, and if it had been the topic of a true crime documentary, I probably would have really enjoyed it.
Alas.
The problem with this story being fictional is that everything FELT artificial. The timing of every plot point seemed overly contrived. Characters perseverated on the same thoughts over and over again, appeared shocked by information they should have already known, and believed anything they were told (except by the protagonist). In the latter instances, I was filled with the same kind of frustration triggered by nearly every adult in the Series of Unfortunate Events books, except those were at least satirical.
The characters were too flat to feel believable. The closest thing to an interesting character was Bernice, and even she devolves from a seemingly complex woman, whose grief and love for children conflict with her prejudiced beliefs, into a wholly unsympathetic cartoon villain.
And while the entire story is sad, the writing constantly turns into melodrama.
The author clearly did her research regarding the climate of 1918 America during the influenza epidemic. The parallels to the 2019 pandemic were remarkable. I also appreciated the inclusion of outdated medical beliefs and "modern" inventions; the world-building was, perhaps, the strongest aspect of the book.
This story could have been a solid read with some moderate tweaking. No magic side plot about sensing illness - this was nothing and went nowhere. Adjusting certain events so that things are not "conveniently" happening, but instead, occurring as a result of characters' direct choices. Using more showing and less telling to communicate emotions. Because this story, this idea of a grieving woman taking advantage of a national emergency to rearrange the world as she sees fit (albeit in a horrific, criminal way), has so much potential.
Alas.
Alas.
The problem with this story being fictional is that everything FELT artificial. The timing of every plot point seemed overly contrived. Characters perseverated on the same thoughts over and over again, appeared shocked by information they should have already known, and believed anything they were told (except by the protagonist). In the latter instances, I was filled with the same kind of frustration triggered by nearly every adult in the Series of Unfortunate Events books, except those were at least satirical.
The characters were too flat to feel believable. The closest thing to an interesting character was Bernice, and even she devolves from a seemingly complex woman, whose grief and love for children conflict with her prejudiced beliefs, into a wholly unsympathetic cartoon villain.
And while the entire story is sad, the writing constantly turns into melodrama.
The author clearly did her research regarding the climate of 1918 America during the influenza epidemic. The parallels to the 2019 pandemic were remarkable. I also appreciated the inclusion of outdated medical beliefs and "modern" inventions; the world-building was, perhaps, the strongest aspect of the book.
This story could have been a solid read with some moderate tweaking. No magic side plot about sensing illness - this was nothing and went nowhere. Adjusting certain events so that things are not "conveniently" happening, but instead, occurring as a result of characters' direct choices. Using more showing and less telling to communicate emotions. Because this story, this idea of a grieving woman taking advantage of a national emergency to rearrange the world as she sees fit (albeit in a horrific, criminal way), has so much potential.
Alas.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
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
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Although the last part of the story redeemed it somewhat, I found the first half of the book too depressing to say that I enjoyed it!
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced