Reviews

Anna O by Matthew Blake

tessarenzen's review against another edition

dark emotional informative mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

chantelle_pearce's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 stars. OMG THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK! Loved it, there is nothing more to say.

costat98's review against another edition

4.0

An intriguing writing style that is simple and yet so different to most reads. Anna O. Is not what I thought what it would be, nor is she who I thought she would be. With many references to other works of literature, this novel gets you thinking about mortality, morality, power dynamics, and so much more. This was probably a 4.5⭐️ read for me, with a half point deduction for no audiobook version available yet. Can’t wait to see what else this authors publishes!

megsmcc's review against another edition

3.0

Well. That could have been a lot less boring and drawn out 2.5

suspensejunkie's review against another edition

2.0

From the blurb, "Joining the ranks of Gillian Flynn, A. J. Finn, and Alex Michaelides, Matthew Blake delivers the thriller of the year."
Don't be deceived; this drivel is nowhere near Flynn's visceral prose and characterization but complements Alex Michaelides's mediocrity.

This novel is literally The Silent Patient, but more "highbrow" (there was an attempt) with its stiff, academic prose and annoying plot conveniences. Everything about it was insufferable, and the main character had to do the dumbest things to keep the plot moving.

It would be best to suspend higher brain functions to take the antagonist(s) seriously.

mairi_mckinstry's review

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

addyson07's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

alinawiema's review

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

sarahdelaemery's review

dark slow-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

3.25

libraryofpearl's review against another edition

4.0

A forensic psychologist explores and attempts to remedy “Anna O” of a condition where the patient is in a deep sleep for 4 years after allegedly commuting two acts of murder - I mean what a premise! This book keeps you guessing to the very last page and really reminded me a lot of “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides both in tone and setting. I felt the story seemed quite long in a way but it allowed the characters to become fully fleshed out and there are some great quotes dispersed through the book - my kindle copy has a lot of highlights which isn’t often something I usually do when reading. I think the author is clearly very talented and had thought this plot through extremely well, it was refreshing to have a full circle novel without plot holes or to be left questioning anyone or anything. If you, like me, have a weird obsession with sleep and dreams, then read this. If you, like me, enjoyed “The Silent Patient,” then read this. If you generally fancy a mystery/thriller that will keep you guessing at theories, then definitely read this! A four star from me and I’m looking forward to what this author brings out next.

Many thanks to Harper Collins, Netgalley and Matthew Blake for the ARC in extra for an honest review.