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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
An interesting story to say the least and I'm still not sure if I really liked it or not but I definitely enjoyed reading it and I wanted to finish it. It had some interesting themes and it was pretty gothic, especially in the setting and atmosphere which were enjoyable. I did find most of the characters to be a bit flat and couldn't really get attached to them. I found the same thing with some of the sub-plots that take place in the past timelines and I feel like they definitely needed more explaining. Also, whilst I enjoyed the perspectives and stories of the different characters/family members, I did find them a little disjointed from the main story. I did realise the 'twist' a little while before it came but I didn't really mind that. I'm still not sure if I thought the ending was great or rubbish as I really enjoyed certain elements of it and really disliked others.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the only Catriona Ward novel where I was left dissatisfied and disappointed. And confused. I felt jerked around by too many time jumps. It was hard for me to make the connections between the characters. When I read that this was her debut novel it makes more sense in light of her more recent works. I hope she will continue to grow as an artist, as I will persist to devour these beautiful composed stories.
3.5 or 4? I just don‘t know...loved the classic gothic feeling and how everything‘s wrapped up in a poetic circle and Oedipus-like journey, it‘s just...a bit much towards the end I suppose? Really unique and creative novel though, and unlike anything I‘ve read before
slow-paced
A gothic horror story that is exactly what it claims to be and yet, is so much more besides. It is all at once intricate, outlandish, beautiful, horrifying, confusing and affirming. All written in some of the most silken prose I have ever had the pleasure of reading. A rare thing indeed.