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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
The difference between current crime novels, classic crime novels and this book of 1957 is acute. I found this to be a cross between mystery and literary novel set in small town domesticity absolutely compulsive. It is so well paced and quietly tense amid huge simmering emotions.
The abnormal is made normal against a backdrop of traditional values and a note of complacency with eccentricity observed and judged behind closed doors. I found my allegiance deeply rooted on the side of the murderer and not the victims.
The "odd" couple and all the other characters - resident or transient - are all drawn so cleverly and intelligently. The novel peeled back layers of a marriage in a similar way to Revolutionary Road (Richard Yates) yet with a gimlet female eye breaking through the veneer of suburban life. Highsmith makes the act of murder appear matter of fact.
The abnormal is made normal against a backdrop of traditional values and a note of complacency with eccentricity observed and judged behind closed doors. I found my allegiance deeply rooted on the side of the murderer and not the victims.
The "odd" couple and all the other characters - resident or transient - are all drawn so cleverly and intelligently. The novel peeled back layers of a marriage in a similar way to Revolutionary Road (Richard Yates) yet with a gimlet female eye breaking through the veneer of suburban life. Highsmith makes the act of murder appear matter of fact.
Deep Water: Or, Parties, Alcoholics, & Snails, Oh My
This novel was absolutely bonkers. The entire time I was reading it, I kept screaming: JUST GIVE DIVORCED FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. But, of course, you know it can't be that easy. Who hurt Patricia Highsmith for her to write something so harsh and dark? Marriage definitely isn't for everyone, especially not Melinda and Vic. These two. SMH. Let me tell you, they are DYSFUNCTIONAL AF.
Their life could've been perfectly pleasant and fun. A nice income. Constant parties. Two separate sleeping rooms. Fun hobbies (Snails!) Why couldn't they just work it out? I'm giving it three stars because I couldn't suspend my disbelief thaaaat much to believe that these two people would stay together this whole time, otherwise it was a fun, ridiculous read!
This novel was absolutely bonkers. The entire time I was reading it, I kept screaming: JUST GIVE DIVORCED FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. But, of course, you know it can't be that easy. Who hurt Patricia Highsmith for her to write something so harsh and dark? Marriage definitely isn't for everyone, especially not Melinda and Vic. These two. SMH. Let me tell you, they are DYSFUNCTIONAL AF.
Their life could've been perfectly pleasant and fun. A nice income. Constant parties. Two separate sleeping rooms. Fun hobbies (Snails!) Why couldn't they just work it out? I'm giving it three stars because I couldn't suspend my disbelief thaaaat much to believe that these two people would stay together this whole time, otherwise it was a fun, ridiculous read!
The narration of this audiobook is absolutely fantastic!
As for the novel, it's a good character piece. I was hoping for more action because there's a lot of rinse and repeat, but there actually IS action...it just takes a while to get there.
Vic is in a dormant marriage, and his wife Melinda repeatedly cheats on him. They have a young daughter, and I had the most compassion from this mostly neglected girl sandwiched between her parents' bad marriage and their hijinks.
Melinda is deplorable. Vic is deplorable. I don't have to like the characters to enjoy the book, but I have to find it more compelling than I did to give it a higher rating. What kept me reading was the haunting narration more than the story itself.
As for the novel, it's a good character piece. I was hoping for more action because there's a lot of rinse and repeat, but there actually IS action...it just takes a while to get there.
Vic is in a dormant marriage, and his wife Melinda repeatedly cheats on him. They have a young daughter, and I had the most compassion from this mostly neglected girl sandwiched between her parents' bad marriage and their hijinks.
Melinda is deplorable. Vic is deplorable. I don't have to like the characters to enjoy the book, but I have to find it more compelling than I did to give it a higher rating. What kept me reading was the haunting narration more than the story itself.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a keeper. Deeply unsettling and thrilling. Can't wait to watch the movie on Hulu! This was for the popsugar reading challenge item "A book becoming a movie or TV series in 2022."
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