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3.26 AVERAGE
3.26 AVERAGE
A brief note that the cover I had titled the book The New Neighbors!
This did not live up to the hype. It was a good book but felt a bit scattered. Why did I think it was about the characters and their neighbors? Something to do with the weird house they bought? But after progressing along those lines, it then went off on what felt like a tangent. That tangent ended up being the rest of the book!
This book was a disappointment. I liked the first 100 pages or so and it started out with an interesting premise. A couple move into a house they bought for a steal with the condition that they have to clear out the previous owners belongings. As they do this, a "disturbing discovery" in made in the attic by Jack (the boyfriend) who decides to not tell his girlfriend for no apparent reason. Meanwhile, Syd (the girlfriend) befriends in a very odd way the little girl that lives in the house behind theirs who seems to be hiding something. As the book progresses the perspective shifts from Jack to Syd as you discover they're writing their "versions" of what happens (you find out why later) and that's where the story fell apart for me. The synopsis gave me a strong suspense vibe, maybe even horror, but turned out to be more sad than anything else. There was a "who dun it" (sorta) but the twist was predictable and underwhelming by the time it finally came around. The only real positive I can give this book is that it's a fast read, so at least you won't waste too much time on it if you're as disappointed as I was with the plot.
(Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
(Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin UK for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
2.5 stars
The first part of this book was all over the place. The reason for this is that the two main characters were both writing their perspectives and back stories. It was a bit too jumbled for me to really understand what was happening. The second part of the book was better.
The first part of this book was all over the place. The reason for this is that the two main characters were both writing their perspectives and back stories. It was a bit too jumbled for me to really understand what was happening. The second part of the book was better.
I was so looking forward to this book because the 'blurb' sounded great - part thriller... perhaps supernatural....
However the book is NOTHING like the desciption! I think if I had gone into it 'blind' not knowing anything about it I would have enjoyed it more.
Also the back and forth 'journal' style of writing quickly became irritating as there was too much 'chat' and the story did not flow as naturally as it could.
The main characters Syd and Jack are well developed BUT Syd is just awful... just not enough good characteristics to make the reader feel all the sympathy and empathy that Lelic is trying to induce in the reader.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review :-)
However the book is NOTHING like the desciption! I think if I had gone into it 'blind' not knowing anything about it I would have enjoyed it more.
Also the back and forth 'journal' style of writing quickly became irritating as there was too much 'chat' and the story did not flow as naturally as it could.
The main characters Syd and Jack are well developed BUT Syd is just awful... just not enough good characteristics to make the reader feel all the sympathy and empathy that Lelic is trying to induce in the reader.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review :-)
This was close to a DNF. It just failed to reach my expectations. What's in the attic and why ignore it took a backseat to dealing with every major issue you can think of. It could have used some possible trigger topic warnings which it doesn't have. It didn't get too graphic, but it's nice to know that is, or isn't, in a book beforehand. I have really mixed emotions about our main couple and their ability to think.
My copy came from Net Galley. My review is my own with my own thoughts and opinions. This review is left of my own free will.
My copy came from Net Galley. My review is my own with my own thoughts and opinions. This review is left of my own free will.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Meh
When Jack and Sydney move into their new London home they can't believe their luck. It's everything they've ever dreamed of and more. However, while investigating a noxious smell, Jack makes a disturbing discovery in the attic but decides to try and forget about it. Meanwhile Sydney befriends Elsie, the sad-looking girl who lives in the house opposite with her father. It starts a series of events leading to a catastrophe which changes all their lives forever.
What a fantastic psychological thriller! I'm so pleased I was given the opportunity to read The House. It was brooding and creepy. I loved all the twists and turns. Although the first few chapters felt slightly disjointed, once it found its pace it was fantastic; with plenty of those 'I didn't see that one coming!' moments. The book is written in the style of a journal with chapters alternating between the perspectives of Jack and Sydney. It works very well, especially at the end where, without giving anything away, the reader discovers how all the pieces fit together.
Thanks to Penguin Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://barnseybooks.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/the-house-by-simon-lelic.html#more
What a fantastic psychological thriller! I'm so pleased I was given the opportunity to read The House. It was brooding and creepy. I loved all the twists and turns. Although the first few chapters felt slightly disjointed, once it found its pace it was fantastic; with plenty of those 'I didn't see that one coming!' moments. The book is written in the style of a journal with chapters alternating between the perspectives of Jack and Sydney. It works very well, especially at the end where, without giving anything away, the reader discovers how all the pieces fit together.
Thanks to Penguin Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://barnseybooks.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/the-house-by-simon-lelic.html#more