A review by rworrall78
Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel

challenging dark emotional funny lighthearted sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Stunning writing and such a gripping and mysterious premise. The detail of Alison's work was suburban mundanity beautifully told. The horrors were matched with humour. The fiends and Al's relationship with Collette felt over explored. Impactful to begin with but became repetitive. The payoff was worth it though. Amazing and I still don't really understand all the themes or why and how
Alison becomes free of Morris and what her being the daughter of the devil means...or how it could be. Also the references to her as a young child appearing dead. I thought at one point that she was going to turn out to be In Spirit as well but I'm still unclear on that. </Spoiler>. Utterly wonderful social commentary too. 
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