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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
I wanted to love "Night Film" and I wanted to love it hard. "Special Topics in Calamity Physics" was an astounding debut novel, and I was excited to read Pessl's follow-up.
The idea behind "Night Film" is great. The idea of Cordova, the notions of these night films, and the noir-ness of the potential detectiv-ing had me dedicated to this novel. The references, or "references" depending on your viewpoint, that littered "Special Topics" make their return in "Night Film" in the form of underground internet groups, lost photographs, and news articles pertaining to the novel's characters. The extent to which Pessl set out to make this novel feel "real" was far-reaching and widely appreciated.
I did, however, lose some commitment once the amateurs that assist Scott with his journey join the story line. Additionally, the feel of the detective work felt, at times, a little pop-thriller (ala Patterson which, if you know me, isn't a compliment).
The negatives aside, however, the ending has me puzzled. From my viewpoint, there are two rationales for how the book ends; one rationale would leave me remembering Pessl to be the fantastic author I thought she was after "Special Topics," while the other would be a bit of a disappointment. I'll discuss it with you once you've read this book; I hate leaving spoilers in reviews.
All in all - I'm back in line to pick up Pessl's next book, whenever and if ever it may come.
The idea behind "Night Film" is great. The idea of Cordova, the notions of these night films, and the noir-ness of the potential detectiv-ing had me dedicated to this novel. The references, or "references" depending on your viewpoint, that littered "Special Topics" make their return in "Night Film" in the form of underground internet groups, lost photographs, and news articles pertaining to the novel's characters. The extent to which Pessl set out to make this novel feel "real" was far-reaching and widely appreciated.
I did, however, lose some commitment once the amateurs that assist Scott with his journey join the story line. Additionally, the feel of the detective work felt, at times, a little pop-thriller (ala Patterson which, if you know me, isn't a compliment).
The negatives aside, however, the ending has me puzzled. From my viewpoint, there are two rationales for how the book ends; one rationale would leave me remembering Pessl to be the fantastic author I thought she was after "Special Topics," while the other would be a bit of a disappointment. I'll discuss it with you once you've read this book; I hate leaving spoilers in reviews.
All in all - I'm back in line to pick up Pessl's next book, whenever and if ever it may come.
it's been awhile since a book I was reading at night made me look at the shadows with suspicion.
Loved it - an addictive read. I haven't been this caught up in a book since I read Snow Crash 4 years ago
I really liked the suspense and the storyline. A great audio choice.
loved the book. couldn't wait to finish it. I think I might have damaged my eyes cause I read this book as if my life depended on it. but I have one reservation. I was a little skeptical about the ending. it just ended abruptly. at first I thought there is some problem with my copy, it's incomplete or something. I still don't know if Ashley was suffering from a devil's curse or not. since inez gallo lied about cordova's whereabouts she could just as easily have lied about everything else. and did scott really was in that hexagonal box or was he hallucinating? And why did Ashley forgive the spider since she was the one who set him on fire? why did the spider make up that devil's bridge story and if that really didn't happen what was ashley forgiving him for? Gosh I have so many questions. it's driving me crazy. I hope some of you can answer them for me. :)
It's at least 300 pages too long and Pessl writes dialogue that suggests she's never actually heard human beings talk to each other.
This book was great - all consuming and so addictive. There are definitely some cheesy elements - I couldn't take the photographs and reports seriously BUT it really got into my head and was very creepy. I did not expect this type of horror/suspense from Pessl but it was a perfect end of summer read.
Break out of your locked rooms, real or imagined! The world Pessl creates in this book is like a snuff-film version of everything glorious an horrifying about 70s pop culture. It's a fast, addictive read and the work of a truly inventive mind. Marlowe Hughes FTW
Loved it. I couldn't put it down. Great story for a wintery weekend. Mystery, suspense and bucketloads of creepy. My favorite of 2014 so far!