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yvo_about_books's review
4.5
Finished reading: October 1st 2023
“I usually get what I want. She'll realise that soon enough.”
I've been meaning to read this book for quite some time now, so when I needed a book set on a train for the Beat The Backlist BINGO challenge I thought it was the perfect opportunity to finally do so. I love a good thriller with a travel element, and the premise of Violet sounded like a perfect fit. My instincts definitely turned out to be right, because I loved everything about this psychological thriller! The international setting is without doubt a bonus, and the descriptions of both the train travel and the different destinations were spot on. Having my own backpacking experience, I could relate to the different travel stories, and I already loved this book for the travel element alone. BUT. Violet has so much more to offer, and this is thanks to the main character Violet. She is basically a twisted psychopath, but somehow it is strangely addicting to spend time inside her head. I love how the full scope of her character is only revealed slowly, making you wonder what will happen next. It added a lot of tension to the plot, and I loved how the twists were incorporated. I think the fact that both Violet and Carrie are extremely flawed worked in their favor, and while they are not exactly likeable there is no doubt that they are able to catch your attention. I literally couldn't stop reading Violet, and I'm having a feeling it will end up appearing on my list of 2023 favorites.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Mental illness, Bullying, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Drug use, Murder, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Rape, Sexual assault, Stalking, Death, and Toxic relationship
minimicropup's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Really enjoyed the read and learning about the places mentioned in the book. Took off half a star for the ending. the ending would be great and still twisty if “Violet” went to sit with the new girl at the beer garden, THEN get swarmed by police, THEN she realizes the girl is Carrie. Having Carrie sort of orchestrate and put herself in danger is silly because the poilce have the ability to track Violet by location on the laptop, and they have no reason to sit in hiding waiting for Violet to interact with Carrie then have Carrie do the whole explanation of how she survived, then the police are like “okay, done now? Cool let’s swarm”. We could have had the explanation of how Carrie survived after we are shocked by the police swarm and then a sudden reveal that Carrie is there and is alive. I can see Carrie being asked to be there to make a positive id on Violet in the crowd to police, but not sit there hoping Violet goes to sit with her of ALL people and blabbing while they wait in the shadows!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Drug use, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Gaslighting, Murder, Bullying, Mental illness, and Stalking
Minor: Sexual harassment, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts
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