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mamabeardteacher's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Alcohol, Car accident, Vomit, Confinement, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Blood, Abortion, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, Animal cruelty, Biphobia, and Cursing
Minor: Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Death of parent
clarke's review against another edition
slow-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
2.0
Diavola follows Anna on a family vacation in Italy, and how the trip continues to affect her after she returns. The book does a good job at creating uncertainty - is it a ghost or is Anna mentally ill? Her family are exhausting and treat her poorly, but they also seem to think something is wrong with her. The haunting could be a metaphor for depression, trauma, or grief, especially with how it affects her.
Unfortunately, I found there was little horror or comedy in the book. It was funny in a snarky relatable way, but not often enough to be hailed a 'comedy'. The hot dog scene was lazy. Most of the characters feel like 2D stereotypes, and the majority of the book is Anna meandering about her life. Any ghostly activity was an inconvenience at best. I wanted more of the haunting, more terror, especially based on other reviews. The ending also felt lazy and convenient. I found it hard to care about any of the characters, and I was most interested in what the ghost was up to but I didn't get enough of it.
There is also a very uncomfortable sex scene which could be interpreted as SA that added nothing to the story.
Overall, it did a good job creating doubt and I enjoyed the snark, but I am left wanting more horror and comedy instead of family drama and narration. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
Unfortunately, I found there was little horror or comedy in the book. It was funny in a snarky relatable way, but not often enough to be hailed a 'comedy'. The hot dog scene was lazy. Most of the characters feel like 2D stereotypes, and the majority of the book is Anna meandering about her life. Any ghostly activity was an inconvenience at best. I wanted more of the haunting, more terror, especially based on other reviews. The ending also felt lazy and convenient. I found it hard to care about any of the characters, and I was most interested in what the ghost was up to but I didn't get enough of it.
There is also a very uncomfortable sex scene which could be interpreted as SA that added nothing to the story.
Overall, it did a good job creating doubt and I enjoyed the snark, but I am left wanting more horror and comedy instead of family drama and narration. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abortion, Alcohol, Mental illness, and Gaslighting
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