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A review by macint0046
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
While this book does have some dark and tense elements, the author developed characters and stories outside of the simple “murder mystery” plot.
I loved how reflective and inquisitive this book was, how it grappled with belief and the unknown, and how it strung together elements into thoughtful prose. The main character being a writer herself brings about a “meta” analysis; how people can be thought of as characters in a story, how their past and motives carry them through life.
I felt the story was wonderfully paced, and that any “mystery” or “twist” was perfectly placed; no rush to the finish line or random details to glue together a villain. Characters have their motives, their flaws, their joys.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of mystery and story telling, and am looking forward to reading more of this author’s work.
I loved how reflective and inquisitive this book was, how it grappled with belief and the unknown, and how it strung together elements into thoughtful prose. The main character being a writer herself brings about a “meta” analysis; how people can be thought of as characters in a story, how their past and motives carry them through life.
I felt the story was wonderfully paced, and that any “mystery” or “twist” was perfectly placed; no rush to the finish line or random details to glue together a villain. Characters have their motives, their flaws, their joys.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of mystery and story telling, and am looking forward to reading more of this author’s work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child death, Infertility, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Character grapples with mental illness, uncertainty of whether thoughts, dreams, and memories are true or fantasized. Some tell her they are just dreams, some say they are prophetic visions. This can be unsettling for people who may deal with similar mental health difficulties.