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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
3.5 stars - Although the plot of Little Eve was my least favorite of the novels I’ve read by Catriona Ward, I continue to be enthralled with her writing. She knows how to create an unsettling atmosphere so well. This story just felt too disjointed and I found my attention wandering quite a bit. But the ending was very compelling!
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very dark gothic tale that I was completely sucked into. Good October read if you are so inclined! (The publisher sent me a review copy.)
The mysterious story of 'Little Eve' is told through multiple viewpoints and timelines. Eve is one of the children who live with 'Uncle' on an isolated isle. Dinah is her 'sister' and there is also, Abel. Nora, Alice and Elizabeth, all of whom seem to be completely under Uncle's power and control and live a frugal and harsh life under his rule. The story begins with a character from the local village discovering that everyone on the isle has been murdered except Dinah. Eve is the suspect, but the as the story unravels we begin to question everything. A haunting story that will stay with me for some time, the atmosphere was harrowing and brooding, the characters meticulously drawn and the guessing game as to who murdered who keeps you going until the very end. Superb writing that draws you right in. Fans of Shirley Jackson would enjoy this book.
I really enjoyed my time with Little Eve. Ward is a great writer and she grabs the reader from the start and mostly holds them in her grasp throughout. Things felt a little dragged out/repetitive about 2/3rds of the way through, but if you get over the hill she satisfies with an action packed banger of an ending.
Eve and her family live isolated on an island, where they wait for the return of a snake-god who will give its powers to one of them. As they wait for the god's appearance, it becomes more and more apparent that perhaps their father isn't telling them everything.
I read this because I wanted to give Catriona Ward another chance after I didn't enjoy "Needless Street." I will say, I liked this book better. The cult element was interesting, and it was a much, much more coherent plot. I did, like with "Needless Street," struggle with her characters; I just have a hard time connecting with them. I think her work just isn't for me, not her fault; we all have different tastes!
You would like this book if you like a small cult story, or a rocky, damp oceanside setting (being from Maine, that does get me lol).
I read this because I wanted to give Catriona Ward another chance after I didn't enjoy "Needless Street." I will say, I liked this book better. The cult element was interesting, and it was a much, much more coherent plot. I did, like with "Needless Street," struggle with her characters; I just have a hard time connecting with them. I think her work just isn't for me, not her fault; we all have different tastes!
You would like this book if you like a small cult story, or a rocky, damp oceanside setting (being from Maine, that does get me lol).
Loved House on Needless Street and loved this too! More gothic, less horror with a very good suspenseful tale and the evocative, excellent writing she always brings.
dark
mysterious
medium-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
I don’t mean to be harsh…. This was a little disappointing. There are times where this reads like nonfiction, in the way that it is very repetitive. It feels realistic in how a cult is run, but I was never really shocked or surprised by what happened throughout the book. There are also some parts that could have been removed to be a tighter novel. I think this needed to be an even 200 pages. Even though I did not exactly predict the ending, I was close…. I think there is some good here, I liked whenever the characters had a monologue, and the descriptions of the gothic setting were good. Overall, even thought I read it quick, the themes, plot, or characters didn’t really grab me. I feel like this is for someone but not me.
The audiobook was not good. It was so low, so quiet, and so many pauses. Did the narrator record this secretly in bed next to their partner trying not to wake them up? Did she go to the closet at night? Did they record this at midnight in an apartment with paper thin walls?
Why the pauses? Why do some of the characters with Scottish accents if not all the people are Scottish?or were raised Scottish?
Why the pauses? Why do some of the characters with Scottish accents if not all the people are Scottish?or were raised Scottish?