Reviews

Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur

hannahga's review

challenging emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Loses some momentum towards the end and the author can be a bit heavy handed at times but overall I really really liked this. The multi POV was executed really well with strong, defined characters whose stories satisfyingly interconnect. 

lkshaw1217's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

cmankus's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

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

2.5

jennasucato's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this one. It felt a bit slow at times, but the ending made it worth it. I’m glad that Brodeur didn’t magically make everything better at the end; it felt realistic. I do feel like Adam’s portion of the story could’ve been wrapped up a bit more, though. Overall, a really good read. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Incest and Sexual assault

jsimeone55's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

silkysullivan's review against another edition

dark emotional slow-paced

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

2.0

book_lizard42's review against another edition

5.0

This was not the book I rated in July. This one was absolutely delicious, like chocolate cake for the eyeballs.

carolineeckels's review

emotional reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.75

pocketfulofprinting's review against another edition

3.0

LITTLE MONSTERS by Adrienne Brodeur appealed to me because of the Cape Cod setting, the promise of family drama, a gorgeous cover, and beautiful, descriptive writing.

The story primarily revolves around Gardner family patriarch, Adam, a renowned ocean scientist struggling with bi-polar disorder, his adult children Ken (a rich, real estate guru) and Abby (a not-so-rich artist), and his illegitimate daughter, Stephanie, a Boston police detective. There's a lot going on...mental illness, infidelity, parent death, abuse, intense sibling rivalry...but overall, it ultimately felt a bit flat to me. Meandering between multiple POV's, it never seemed as though the novel was building up to something of relevance despite Adam's 70th birthday party being a focal point. I found myself skimming Adam's chapters, which was a sign that I should have put this book aside for a bit to come back to.

Ultimately, I give this

k_dog_reads's review

emotional reflective fast-paced

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

5.0