Reviews

A Sight for Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell

justjoel's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

kazt__'s review

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No

2.0

mshaniak's review

5.0

5 ⭐️
At first I wasn’t very keen on this book but then the narrator mentions Edgware, Burnt Oak, Hendon etc and it sparks my interest as I currently live very close to that area.
And what a great book it turned out to be!

billymac1962's review

5.0

When I started my website, I began with a batch of reviews of books I had read that had stuck with me for one reason or another. One that hadn't made the cut was Ruth Rendell's Make Death Love Me, quite readable but failed to leave a lasting impression.

A Sight for Sore Eyes now reminds me of how readable Ruth Rendell is.
This one was very absorbing, and there are few authors I have read that can write about obsession like she can. This novel has one of my favorite formulas, be it with novels or movies, and it is this:
Take three sets of characters, get to know them intimately and the unique circumstances of their lives.You know that eventually the paths of their lives will intersect and it is mesmerizing to sit back and anticipate it.
I'm so envious of Rendell's ability to construct a story like this, and with her talent of bringing her characters to life, well how can you ask for more? I can. I do: More Ruth Rendell!!

mumblingmynah's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

chris_of_mercia's review against another edition

5.0

Absolutely brilliant

I’ve long loved Ruth Rendell’s books and this is one of the best. Completely intriguing from beginning to end, which is as unexpected as it is satisfying.

kakorveter's review

dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

komle's review

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape

emmamgregory's review against another edition

4.0

A great novel that reads like 'A tale from the unexpected' series. I can't write too much as I don't want to give the plot away. Needless to say that Ruth Rendell never disappoints with her deviant characters and deceptive plots another winner.

margaret21's review

4.0

Uuurgh. Creepy. But what a good story. The early pages of the book serve to introduce three wholly unrelated sets of characters who would never normally have any dealings with one another. Their very different lives are engagingly portrayed before the story gradually sets out to establish the links between them which will gradually bring the book to its unsettling and macabre conclusion. The characters, whether the nicely brought up and educated Francine, the neglected but coldly intelligent Teddy, or empty-headed socialite Holly are all surrounded by believably damaged individuals who contribute to the unexpected conclusion of the book. Very spooky,and a very good read