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rebecca_w93's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
greenwoodspicers's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
alliehwilliams's review against another edition
This was as a did-not-finish for me due to unexpected vivisection, which involved upsetting scenes with rabbits. I might have just skipped those scenes, but the story involved a flashback to the past that was not as interesting as the present-day storyline (though I am sure it was necessary to understanding the present-day situation). The author is talented, this is just not what I was expecting or wanting.
belacqua's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It great debut novel from one of my now favorite authors. Never has a haunting felt so relatable.
leafwhistle's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.25
glet10's review
4.0
A fantastic work of gothic fiction that's as indebted to the work of Patrick McGrath as it is to the Brontës, Charles Robert Maturin et al. Honours the conventions of the genre while also subverting them in fresh and pleasing ways. Highly recommended.
juliette_21's review against another edition
1.0
This book looked amazing but was such a burden and a difficulty to read. I couldn't understand what was going on and gave up quickly.
What a shame as the storyline seemed interesting
What a shame as the storyline seemed interesting
puck1008's review against another edition
4.0
Recommended for fans of 19th century gothic horror. Timeline is jumbled to extend the mystery. Ending is worth it.
halesb's review against another edition
3.0
A well written and ambitious debut from Catriona Ward but I personally found it slow and ultimately quite dull. She has honed her style with Little Eve and The Last House on Needless Street, so I'd recommend those over this one.