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hcc8's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
redvelvetpenguins's review against another edition
3.0
This book is hard to rate, it's an well told story but bogged down by a lot of unneeded detail. But wow that ending! That was incredible story telling and twist!
whereamiwaldo's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
eliel's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cshume's review against another edition
4.0
I first picked up a Lisa Jewell book only this year, The Family Upstairs. And I loved every second of it. Friends and colleague have also complimented Jewell’s work and so when I saw this book in a charity shop, I picked it up knowing it would be the perfect holiday read.
This follows the structure of each chapter it’s own time and perspective, as being similar to The family Upstairs. Where I found it jumped between perspectives quickly towards the beginning of the book, it soon became nothing more than to keep me turning the page. Very much enjoyed the running commentary and seeing all the interweaving lives of the characters.
What I did love about this book was the realism of the characters and how they can be so relatable. Even if you do not relate yourself, there are similarities with people you know that shine through, sometimes not always the best attributes make their way through. The actions and reactions and consequences of such, detailed very briefly. It end up being the major turning point for characters was great to witness.
Where there is good, there is the darker side. I do find with this type of genre, where the characters can seem so real, they come with real problems in the everyday world. These problems can be rooted into the type of person you are. I find that I get angry at the world because someone is a certain way. There is a theme of deception and manipulation throughout the book and certain characters carry this more, which I find myself being angry at. I feel that I sometimes need to step away from the story, just to release that this is a story and not real life. However, very similar real life stories are happening day in day out. But making me feel this way from a book clearly shows that it’s something that I care about and feel passionate. Kept me reading and kept me entertained.
Overall, this was a pleasant read and relished in the dripping story!
This follows the structure of each chapter it’s own time and perspective, as being similar to The family Upstairs. Where I found it jumped between perspectives quickly towards the beginning of the book, it soon became nothing more than to keep me turning the page. Very much enjoyed the running commentary and seeing all the interweaving lives of the characters.
What I did love about this book was the realism of the characters and how they can be so relatable. Even if you do not relate yourself, there are similarities with people you know that shine through, sometimes not always the best attributes make their way through. The actions and reactions and consequences of such, detailed very briefly. It end up being the major turning point for characters was great to witness.
Where there is good, there is the darker side. I do find with this type of genre, where the characters can seem so real, they come with real problems in the everyday world. These problems can be rooted into the type of person you are. I find that I get angry at the world because someone is a certain way. There is a theme of deception and manipulation throughout the book and certain characters carry this more, which I find myself being angry at. I feel that I sometimes need to step away from the story, just to release that this is a story and not real life. However, very similar real life stories are happening day in day out. But making me feel this way from a book clearly shows that it’s something that I care about and feel passionate. Kept me reading and kept me entertained.
Overall, this was a pleasant read and relished in the dripping story!
ninalita's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bossmoo's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
evarano's review against another edition
5.0
This was Lisa Jewell at her best! I could not put this book down-it was SO good. This reminds me of some of Jewell's earlier books. A solid mystery, unexpected twists and turns. All the characters were well developed. I loved how Kim and Sophie never gave up on finding out what happened. They were both interesting to read and solid, relatable characters. I think what's great about this story is that throughout, you know, as the reader that all these aspects and Easter eggs are and building but you just can't exactly put it all together. Highly recommend this one!
sarahholden2019's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0