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ozias's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know how this has an average 4.27 rating, but it sure as heck does not deserve it. I'm giving it 1 star because something stopped me from DNFing - although I have no idea what - and a bonus star because Joanne Froggatt is an enjoyable narrator.
strawberrymivvy's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
First book I've read by this author, and whilst I likely wouldn't seek her out again, it was an OK wet Sunday or beach read.
Dual timelines, with Sarah in the early 2000s writing a book about a long-closed local asylum. She keeps breaking in to look around and discovers a pile of suitcases that belonged to the former patients. Ellen is a student nurse there in the 1950s and we meet a selection of the patients she interacts with on a daily basis.
No big surprises but decent enough writing that keeps the pages turning and an interesting insight into mental health care.
Dual timelines, with Sarah in the early 2000s writing a book about a long-closed local asylum. She keeps breaking in to look around and discovers a pile of suitcases that belonged to the former patients. Ellen is a student nurse there in the 1950s and we meet a selection of the patients she interacts with on a daily basis.
No big surprises but decent enough writing that keeps the pages turning and an interesting insight into mental health care.
janettedv's review against another edition
4.0
Good story with grim reminders of how mental illness used to be dealt with
creaseinthespinebooks's review against another edition
5.0
First of all I rarely give out 5 stars but when I do it’s because a story has moved me so much that it takes days and sometimes weeks to get over and this will be the case for The Key.
This was not an easy story to read as we read about asylums and a disturbing look at the misguided and sometimes barbaric treatment of the mentally ill during the 1950s.
Like most asylums and Kathryns research she does a wonderful of casting a bleak picture of the asylum and its dark atmosphere. The characters add to this story and how some of them are treated in ways that you would not think possible and is not for the weak at heart. We also learn the evil ways and horrors of electroshock therapy and the true abuse that these people receive.
And yet even though this is a fictional story it is based on actual facts.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book which evoked many thoughts and feelings.
Kathryn is an author that brings her characters and their surroundings to life. She has written a page turner that deserves to be made into a film.
I need to really look into her other books.
This was not an easy story to read as we read about asylums and a disturbing look at the misguided and sometimes barbaric treatment of the mentally ill during the 1950s.
Like most asylums and Kathryns research she does a wonderful of casting a bleak picture of the asylum and its dark atmosphere. The characters add to this story and how some of them are treated in ways that you would not think possible and is not for the weak at heart. We also learn the evil ways and horrors of electroshock therapy and the true abuse that these people receive.
And yet even though this is a fictional story it is based on actual facts.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book which evoked many thoughts and feelings.
Kathryn is an author that brings her characters and their surroundings to life. She has written a page turner that deserves to be made into a film.
I need to really look into her other books.
_saragaidano's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
august4pancake's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
maryam01's review against another edition
2.0
Nothing really happens in this book. I was really intrigued by the atmosphere and life in the asylum but not much went on besides some depressing parties and Amy trying to escape but failing. I feel like we didn't see much of Ellen's character except that she felt sorry for the inmates.