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fanninh's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this, though there were some elements that didn't seem to fit the overall theme. The ending was kinder to the protagonist than I was expecting but that's a good thing.
A tough read, not a joyful story, would recommend to some friends. Definitely not my parents.
A tough read, not a joyful story, would recommend to some friends. Definitely not my parents.
seyda_neen's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-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
4.5
anettereadsthings's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
3.0
shiftyelliott's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
thenurabh's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
manic_madcap's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Ultimately, unsatisfying.
The world of 'Beyond Black' is intruigingly dark, with Mantel's attention to detail lending a sense of familiarity to a deeply bleak environment. The difficult subject of childhood trauma is handled with a chilling sense of knowing. However, though the world (and characters within it) feel very real, there is very little in this world to be enjoyed. The book offers little respite from its dark subject matter and relief can only be found in paragraphs that feel lengthy, insignificant and mundane. There is very little character development to glean satisfaction from, and the plot as a whole feels disjointed and weak. Having at least enjoyed Mantel's writing style I am curious to check out her other books, however this story left me feeling dissapointed and ultimately unsatisfied.
The world of 'Beyond Black' is intruigingly dark, with Mantel's attention to detail lending a sense of familiarity to a deeply bleak environment. The difficult subject of childhood trauma is handled with a chilling sense of knowing. However, though the world (and characters within it) feel very real, there is very little in this world to be enjoyed. The book offers little respite from its dark subject matter and relief can only be found in paragraphs that feel lengthy, insignificant and mundane. There is very little character development to glean satisfaction from, and the plot as a whole feels disjointed and weak. Having at least enjoyed Mantel's writing style I am curious to check out her other books, however this story left me feeling dissapointed and ultimately unsatisfied.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia and Child abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault, Torture, and Sexual violence
Minor: Suicide, Fatphobia, and Lesbophobia
carliereadsstuff's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0