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A review by chighland
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I seem to be in the minority here, but I actually quite liked this book.
First, the setting was incredible. I love a creepy mansion in the middle of nowhere, and to make it a writing retreat from hell is really the icing on the cake.
I also like a slow-burn on occasion, and that's what you got here -- there was an ever-present prickling weirdness that abounded, and that's what drove the story forward. Yes, the first half is a little quiet, but I enjoyed that reliance on atmosphere.
I also liked the story within a story.
Yes, the characters are odious -- but I thought that was the point. They have bad takes and masquerade as open-minded. I know that's not everyone's cup of tea, but I do like it. I didn't feel like their occasionally problematic views were endorsed by Bartz, but rather, that she wanted to showcase just how messy they all were. I could be wrong! But that's how I took it.
First, the setting was incredible. I love a creepy mansion in the middle of nowhere, and to make it a writing retreat from hell is really the icing on the cake.
I also like a slow-burn on occasion, and that's what you got here -- there was an ever-present prickling weirdness that abounded, and that's what drove the story forward. Yes, the first half is a little quiet, but I enjoyed that reliance on atmosphere.
I also liked the story within a story.
Yes, the characters are odious -- but I thought that was the point. They have bad takes and masquerade as open-minded. I know that's not everyone's cup of tea, but I do like it. I didn't feel like their occasionally problematic views were endorsed by Bartz, but rather, that she wanted to showcase just how messy they all were. I could be wrong! But that's how I took it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
Minor: Antisemitism
In general, I thought the problematic content came because characters had problematic views, not because the author did, but I do see valid criticism of some of the storylines. Proceed at your own risk.