Reviews

Even in a narrative that involves murder and infidelity, Ginzburg’s writing is very direct. It has a matter-of-fact, unadorned quality to it.

The novella’s structure is interesting; it begins with the murder, then provides a kind of (non-)justification for it retroactively. But in filling in the backstory, Ginzburg takes a realist approach largely devoid of embellishment or hysteria. This is a relationship founded on obsession rather than love; the clear incompatibility is treated plainly because, despite the end result, the discord in the relationship is not particularly unique. It is a bleak, unsparing novella because it is written without affect.

ekat_805's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

jammydodger's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.25

sophieennis's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

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