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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
This was between 3 & 4 stars but I rounded up. Hard to read because of the subject matter even though it isn't graphic
This book felt fueled with rage and hate and disgust and I suppose that was probably the point but it made it hard to get through - I found that unenjoyable.
Also Id love if we could stop writing novels where the plot centers around a woman being sexually assaulted by a man. We have enough of that already it would be refreshing to not read about it for once.
Also Id love if we could stop writing novels where the plot centers around a woman being sexually assaulted by a man. We have enough of that already it would be refreshing to not read about it for once.
I read this book fairly quickly and it kept my attention enough to see it through — with that said, themes of trauma (from several angles) persist throughout the book and at times felt unnecessary to me. Not totally surprising, but I would caution anyone to Google the content warnings on this one (better yet, would have loved to see one IN the book, as is starting to become more common).
dark
mysterious
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
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Received an ARC via NetGalley.
What a sad, sad story that I could not put down. I don’t know how a story with such unhappy people and one tragedy after another could feel uplifting at the end.
I always enjoy stories where it follows multiple perspectives that all intertwine to tell different parts of the same story. Some miss the mark but this was done perfectly. It should have felt like a lot with the flashbacks in addition to shifting perspectives but it wasn’t, it worked. You really get a feel for each and every character, even the ones you maybe don’t want to know better.
What a sad, sad story that I could not put down. I don’t know how a story with such unhappy people and one tragedy after another could feel uplifting at the end.
I always enjoy stories where it follows multiple perspectives that all intertwine to tell different parts of the same story. Some miss the mark but this was done perfectly. It should have felt like a lot with the flashbacks in addition to shifting perspectives but it wasn’t, it worked. You really get a feel for each and every character, even the ones you maybe don’t want to know better.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a fair review. My review? WOW! This was fast-paced, kept me guessing and kept me hooked and hopeful right to the very last page. So many different secrets, so much damage people inflict in the name of religion and lies.
My only criticism is this: the writer uses the expression "chalk and cheese" at the beginning of the book. This is not an Americanism. A character is introduced as having grown up in England and he later talks about people having "a row". That fit because it is a British expression. But not having read the author's bio on the back page, I knew she was English right away. Did it change the story? Impact it negatively? No. Most people won't even notice it.
That petty note aside, Anna Bailey's work excites me. I hope she has a long writing career and I can't wait to see what she gifts us with next!
My only criticism is this: the writer uses the expression "chalk and cheese" at the beginning of the book. This is not an Americanism. A character is introduced as having grown up in England and he later talks about people having "a row". That fit because it is a British expression. But not having read the author's bio on the back page, I knew she was English right away. Did it change the story? Impact it negatively? No. Most people won't even notice it.
That petty note aside, Anna Bailey's work excites me. I hope she has a long writing career and I can't wait to see what she gifts us with next!
Definitely slow. It took me over 6 months to finish it but once you break through the backstories of the characters and why they are the way they are, shit gets real. If you’re sensitive to SA, abuse or homophobia I wouldn’t suggest this book. It was hard for me to get through some scenes but all and all, it wasn’t a terrible read. Lots a questions still unanswered but something about the ending made me feel okay about not knowing certain things.
I loved this! So good!
Emma is experiencing unbelievable guilt. She leaves her best friend along at a party, and now Abi is missing. Abi and her family have secrets, and her disappearance may require them to be unearthed. Living in small town Whistling Ridge, Colorado doesn’t help matters because of all the gossip and even rage.
Where the Truth Lies is gorgeously written. At the same time, it’s haunting, dark, and chilling with the secrets, bigotry, and hate when a town turns on its own. This is a slow burning, slower building story that really takes its time in showing each of its layers to the reader to then assemble into a story full of strong characters and atmosphere. I read this compulsively and could not put it down. Anna Bailey has delivered a stunning debut.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Emma is experiencing unbelievable guilt. She leaves her best friend along at a party, and now Abi is missing. Abi and her family have secrets, and her disappearance may require them to be unearthed. Living in small town Whistling Ridge, Colorado doesn’t help matters because of all the gossip and even rage.
Where the Truth Lies is gorgeously written. At the same time, it’s haunting, dark, and chilling with the secrets, bigotry, and hate when a town turns on its own. This is a slow burning, slower building story that really takes its time in showing each of its layers to the reader to then assemble into a story full of strong characters and atmosphere. I read this compulsively and could not put it down. Anna Bailey has delivered a stunning debut.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes