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li_reading's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Lying with Lions delivers exactly what the synopsis promises: an archivist, family wounds and a dark secret; all within the first quarter, what follows is a difficult-to-follow journey through Edwardian politics. While there were sparks of intrigue, I largely found myself anticipating a strong narrative that never took hold.
I struggled with the pacing, with an engaging start that fizzled out as the story progressed. The element of romance was a pleasant change of pace, although it was rather contrived and seemed to appear out of thin air. What could have been the book's saving grace, instead fell flat.
Characters such as Meredith and Harold were positively enchanting and provided much-needed relief from the politics of the Bryant household, I only wish the story could have revolved around them instead.
The first-person narrative took getting accustomed to, however there were several moments which brought a smile to my face at the beauty of the writing. Unfortunately some typographical errors did pull me back into reality, breaking the flow of the story.
In all, I found many components of the book to be enjoyable (the setting, the characters, the lesbian romance) but found the delivery to be lacking.
I struggled with the pacing, with an engaging start that fizzled out as the story progressed. The element of romance was a pleasant change of pace, although it was rather contrived and seemed to appear out of thin air. What could have been the book's saving grace, instead fell flat.
Characters such as Meredith and Harold were positively enchanting and provided much-needed relief from the politics of the Bryant household, I only wish the story could have revolved around them instead.
The first-person narrative took getting accustomed to, however there were several moments which brought a smile to my face at the beauty of the writing. Unfortunately some typographical errors did pull me back into reality, breaking the flow of the story.
In all, I found many components of the book to be enjoyable (the setting, the characters, the lesbian romance) but found the delivery to be lacking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Child death, and Death
Moderate: Rape, Animal death, Violence, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Drug use and Misogyny
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