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3.29 AVERAGE
3.29 AVERAGE
Golly gee! A woman? With any power whatsoever? Or with a brain? Oh my! *faints* - That’s this book in a nutshell. I can’t deal with the amount of women-hating that goes on in this book. From every single damn character, including the women.
I also object to the whole meek and simpering woman I’ve been seeing in numerous thrillers lately—this one included. God forbid a woman have agency and a three dimensional personality. The widow in this book was your typical baby-crazy, dependent, brainwashed, obedient wife. Yawn. Again, god forbid a woman have a career and life outside of having a family and being subservient to their husbands. The number of comments regarding the look of a woman or man and how it directly correlates to their personality (eg: metal t-shirts automatically meaning someone is a sex predator or a woman without makeup on and a ponytail equating to a directionless slob or a terrible wife, or short spiky hair is somehow indicative of an unseemly sort) made me cringe. Can we ditch needless stereotypes, please?
Additionally, for a book that deals with seedy child predators, the main characters sure had issues saying the word “porn” or “sex.” How old are these characters? Either 100 year old women or 10 year old boys, from the sound of them when they have to discuss anything sexual. (Not including the predatory discussions in this book because yes, I would have trouble speaking about that too.)
This is a huge fuck no from me. Aside from the annoying characters, I figured out the ending almost immediately. I listened to the audiobook at work to pass the time while I typed. If I were physically reading this book or had time to search for another one to listen to, I wouldn’t have finished.
I also object to the whole meek and simpering woman I’ve been seeing in numerous thrillers lately—this one included. God forbid a woman have agency and a three dimensional personality. The widow in this book was your typical baby-crazy, dependent, brainwashed, obedient wife. Yawn. Again, god forbid a woman have a career and life outside of having a family and being subservient to their husbands. The number of comments regarding the look of a woman or man and how it directly correlates to their personality (eg: metal t-shirts automatically meaning someone is a sex predator or a woman without makeup on and a ponytail equating to a directionless slob or a terrible wife, or short spiky hair is somehow indicative of an unseemly sort) made me cringe. Can we ditch needless stereotypes, please?
Additionally, for a book that deals with seedy child predators, the main characters sure had issues saying the word “porn” or “sex.” How old are these characters? Either 100 year old women or 10 year old boys, from the sound of them when they have to discuss anything sexual. (Not including the predatory discussions in this book because yes, I would have trouble speaking about that too.)
This is a huge fuck no from me. Aside from the annoying characters, I figured out the ending almost immediately. I listened to the audiobook at work to pass the time while I typed. If I were physically reading this book or had time to search for another one to listen to, I wouldn’t have finished.
Not sure how this book ended up on my to read list - I think I might have been drawn in by the description: There’s a lot Jean hasn’t said over the years about the crime her husband was suspected of committing. - leading me to think that the book was going to focus on the manipulative and controlling nature of a husband who has done something unspeakable and made his wife complicit.
But - the time frame from crime to her becoming a widow was barely over three years. Not much time to build up that relationship. Barton gives us a brief glimpse into what could have been an interesting twist in the plot by the widow referring to herself as Jeanie - hinting at a possible split personality - but she drops it.
While I won't put this on my "don't read this type of book again" shelf - still not that enamored. At least it was a quick read.
But - the time frame from crime to her becoming a widow was barely over three years. Not much time to build up that relationship. Barton gives us a brief glimpse into what could have been an interesting twist in the plot by the widow referring to herself as Jeanie - hinting at a possible split personality - but she drops it.
While I won't put this on my "don't read this type of book again" shelf - still not that enamored. At least it was a quick read.
This kind of reminded me of Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica, but I liked Pretty Baby better.
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So slowwww. I kept expecting excitement. Didn’t happen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Grief
What happened to little Bella? Once you get past the language barrier (written in United Kingdom English: knickers, copper, bloke, etc) this is a great read. The content is disturbing, and I couldn't put down the first 100 pages of the book. The second half was not as suspenseful, but still takes you in all different directions while you try to figure out where little Bella is. Quite certain this will be a movie one day. Loved it!
Listened to the audiobook. Clare Corbett is one of my favourite narrators. She’s a fantastic reader and brings so much to the experience of the story. “The Widow” is an interesting look at the role of the woman in a situation where her partner is accused of a crime. It’s well-written and compelling. The audiobook also contains an interview with the author and narrator at the end which is a lovely bonus and hugely interesting.