A review by spookymadds13
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton

challenging reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I'm struggling to decide if I liked this book or not. It took me forever to read, I just couldn't get into the story. I enjoyed going between different perspectives, especially with Robert whose motivations behind his actions weren't always what they seemed. The one thing I take issue with is that this book is being advertised as a psychological thriller, which I do not think it is at all. I would say it's a slow burn literary mystery, maybe? I didn't find it suspenseful at all, and it took a long time for anything of import to happen. Then once things did start happening, everything came to a climax quite quickly. Maybe if I really sit with it and try to parse out all the meaning I will grow to appreciate the story more, but right now I'm left feeling very meh about it all.