Reviews - The Doll Factory

1.05k reviews for:

The Doll Factory

Elizabeth Macneal

3.73 AVERAGE

stviekins's review against another edition

3.5

dark tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

debractrail's review against another edition

2.0

I wanted to read this book because it was described as a page-turning psychological thriller. This one turned out to be unnecessarily dark and disturbing. The boy that collected money by bringing carcasses of dead animals to a taxidermist in order to buy false teeth for himself reminded me of the movie “Human Centipede”. The mutilation of animals for entertainment was just too morbid for my taste.

I would not recommend this book.

I received this galley from NetGalley.

natalbee's review against another edition

I read half but couldn’t read any more. I should’ve looked into what it’s about before I started. My bad

woahwhatthe's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

kalinasae's review against another edition

5.0

Looooove everything about this

knitted_bookworm's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark emotional mysterious 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

Content Warnings

zenthias's review against another edition

3.5

challenging dark emotional 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

As a fem-presenting artist who has struggled time and time again through a rocky relationship with art (thanks to ADHD and a less-than-ideal home life), this book imparted with me a reminder of the sparks natural to visual creativity. It was enjoyable to me mainly for that reason, as I've been rediscovering the joy of art again, the book existing to reinforce it.

I also feel humbled knowing that I live beyond the era of stifled dreams and much worse societal conditions for the average woman. Of course, the horrors of misogyny are still rampant to this day, but I appreciated The Doll Factory for depicting Iris with such strong principles, her defiant protests against her circumstances and the things that would demean her person were inspiring. I'd imagine she'd bring comfort to those who also have to deal with their own need to escape unwanted circumstances.

A quick, embarrassing note that I too, fell for Louis. Considering the setting, it was refreshing to see his character show more tact than others.

I wish Albie hadn't died, I didn't have the kind of emotionally engaged reaction as the author would have hoped". But I think I can forgive it somewhat, considering this story centers around the themes of Iris's independence, therefore saving herself would be most natural. I'm certain there could have been another way to prevent him from being her saviour, though. Regardless, it was satisfying to watch her pry herself from the shackles of Silas's kidnapping with success, however I am left extremely dissatisfied with the very ending of the book. For context, having appreciated Louis before, I loved that he was finally admitting just how important Iris was to him, from these excerpts.

Silas slams the door shut.
There is a sudden hammering.
‘I don’t believe you – not a jot,’ Louis shouts. ‘I’ll get to the bottom of it – if you’ve hurt her, you’ll be sorry – I love her . . . and Silas realizes that the man is sobbing.

[Later, in his advertisement]
My Queen,
I will not cease looking for you; I love you and I know you love me in return, that our quarrel was little more than a tiff. I will find you, and I will marry you, if you will accept such a shabby prospect – please, write to me – I cannot do without you.
Your Guigemar

Moments like these have me looking forward to future payoff, in which Iris meets her loved ones again in more than one tearful embrace, and finally gets to savour her victory in the safety of their company. And that is only Louis, what of her reunion with Rose? Their sisterhood's repair has only just begun, leaving more to be desired. Moll's introduction as a housemaid had potential, as I'm sure Iris would do anything to honour Albie by cherishing Moll's existence, it was such a missed opportunity not to include interactions between them. What about Iris reflecting on her freedom and strength as a woman once more, after going through what she did? I do like the idea of the final words being a commentary on Iris's painting, but there was simply no buildup after her escape. It's a shame, because I had been quite pleased with the quality of the book by far, from the back-and-forth between the romance and creepy atmosphere, to its writing style and engaging characterizations, along with many other elements. This extremely short ending is enough to rob it of 1.5 stars.

Regardless, I'm glad to have finally finished it. I don't regret it.