yash590 's review for:

The Night Watch by Sarah Waters

2.75

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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The structure in which the story is told is the highlight of the book. The reverse chronological order of the book almost brings with it a combination of voyeuristic pleasure and suspense. It is like examining a person's life now and trying to understand what might have happened for that person to lead that life. However, the book is very slow and the first section of the book moves at a snail's pace. Maybe a second reading will make the book a little better because now I know the backstory, but I am not so sure. The first section of the book provides the aftermath of the war but more than that, it provides the aftermath of the relations that strengthened during the war. The second and third sections deal directly with their lives during the war.
The second section which deals with the peak of the war is where the book shines. The author does not hold back from describing the war in as much detail as possible from a civilian's perspective. Certain situations evoke strong imagery. 
The book represents a slice of life of three women and one man and so, does not have a solid beginning nor an end. We are provided only a glimpse into their lives and not their biography. I am not sure whether it is good or bad.