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bookem's review against another edition
2.0
While I was reading this, I thought about how well this story would work as a film....and then I couldn't stop thinking about it....and then I just focused on how this book could've been better in general..... But it was still a fun read, nonetheless
jessicaemily's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
luvtoread_ad's review against another edition
1.0
Not my cup of tea. This story was so so so slow. From what I read, the characters were not likable. The romance that was suppose to be between Oscar and Iris was nothing of beautiful.
tildelundqvist's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
4.25
stelladafloresta's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Mental illness, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Chronic illness, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Cancer, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Grief, Murder, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Bullying, and Violence
ladykelsier's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
2.0
valariesmith's review against another edition
1.0
As a big fan of The Likeness and The Secret History, I assumed I'd love this. However, the characters are underdeveloped and unconvincing and, despite the fact that they're supposed to be so brilliant, always seem about 5 steps behind the reader. There was no charm in either the narrator, Oscar, or his girlfriend, Iris - and they didn't even seem to like each other, let alone love each other.
Also, maybe I missed something, but on page 369 of my copy (Penguin), the text goes from Eden's text message straight into Theo rolling down his window, as though they were in mid-conversation. Where did Theo come from? It's as if a whole page is missing.
Also, maybe I missed something, but on page 369 of my copy (Penguin), the text goes from Eden's text message straight into Theo rolling down his window, as though they were in mid-conversation. Where did Theo come from? It's as if a whole page is missing.
adjnn's review against another edition
3.0
The first two pages of this book were excellent. The rest of it fell pretty flat.
The premise was interesting, but the writing was often bizarre and took me out of the story multiple times. The characters were one dimensional, and I never quite bought them as actual people. A good chunk of the book was pretty boring due to this. I didn't connect with any of them and I didn't know why I was supposed to care.
This book had SO MUCH potential and I wanted to love it, but it really does read like a lesser version of The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
Overall, 2.5-3 stars. It was a bit too try hard in my opinion. Would love to read something else from this author that felt more authentic.
The premise was interesting, but the writing was often bizarre and took me out of the story multiple times. The characters were one dimensional, and I never quite bought them as actual people. A good chunk of the book was pretty boring due to this. I didn't connect with any of them and I didn't know why I was supposed to care.
This book had SO MUCH potential and I wanted to love it, but it really does read like a lesser version of The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
Overall, 2.5-3 stars. It was a bit too try hard in my opinion. Would love to read something else from this author that felt more authentic.
radioactve_piano's review against another edition
5.0
What an unexpected pleasure!
The writing is superb. The story is spectacular -- characters I normally wouldn't relate to are created with such skill. The blend of music and psychology woven throughout the book is perfect. The structure should have made me wait on the edge of my seat for the part of the story the first chapter fits into, but I was so absorbed in the story I could barely find the energy to wonder about the set up.
No spoilers. Just highly recommended for a brainy fun read.
The writing is superb. The story is spectacular -- characters I normally wouldn't relate to are created with such skill. The blend of music and psychology woven throughout the book is perfect. The structure should have made me wait on the edge of my seat for the part of the story the first chapter fits into, but I was so absorbed in the story I could barely find the energy to wonder about the set up.
No spoilers. Just highly recommended for a brainy fun read.