Scan barcode
jodar's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
An apparently gentle, introspective novel in which the mystery to be solved turns out to be more of a plot device to explore other existential matters.
There is a darkness to the novel, though: There is the evil of depression that the MC detective eventually succeeds in overcoming, the evil of the narcissistic, sociopathic criminal – suspected but only revealed at the end – and the kindred evil of the arrogant mischief-maker encountered along the way (“The vain, worthless little bastard”, Chapter 8).
Counterbalancing this is the light: There is true friendship that is willing to make sacrifices and continues beyond death. There is the recognition by the MC of his own destined life in the service of others and not...
There is a darkness to the novel, though: There is the evil of depression that the MC detective eventually succeeds in overcoming, the evil of the narcissistic, sociopathic criminal – suspected but only revealed at the end – and the kindred evil of the arrogant mischief-maker encountered along the way (“The vain, worthless little bastard”, Chapter 8).
Counterbalancing this is the light: There is true friendship that is willing to make sacrifices and continues beyond death. There is the recognition by the MC of his own destined life in the service of others and not...
In too much peace… With too much time to think about himself and his bondage to unreason. Too much time to take his own mental and spiritual pulse. (Chapter 13)
… even if the consequences are a single life, with friendships, yes, but necessarily unattached and so focused on his vocation that a relationship of domestic intimacy is not viable, however much this is regretted.
This novel was found among the author’s papers and published posthumously. It has traces of incompleteness, particularly in the first chapter. Yet to me it shows wonderful characterisation and a striving for the depths of things, as with her other novels. It is not the author’s best novel, but I’ve added 0.5 stars out of admiration, respect and a realisation of the novel’s greater potential had the author lived to complete it fully.
This novel was found among the author’s papers and published posthumously. It has traces of incompleteness, particularly in the first chapter. Yet to me it shows wonderful characterisation and a striving for the depths of things, as with her other novels. It is not the author’s best novel, but I’ve added 0.5 stars out of admiration, respect and a realisation of the novel’s greater potential had the author lived to complete it fully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
More...