A review by carl_still_reading
Sundial by Catriona Ward

challenging dark mysterious sad tense 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? It's complicated

3.5

Sundial is a mixed bag for me. Whilst I enjoyed most of it, some parts didn’t work out for me during it. While I was hesitant whilst listening, by the end everything comes together and gives us a final shocking reveal. 

It explored toxic family dynamics really well and reminded me of Sharp Objects and the inspiration it draws from it. 

However I did find the flashbacks and Arrowood sections to be slow,weird and sometimes boring. Whilst I appreciated the explanation of Rob’s childhood, I wish the flashbacks were shortened down and the Arrowood sections taken out, as the story within a story didn’t really add anything to the main story it was trying to tell. 

Overall I did enjoy my time with Sundial and the ending definitely had me shook in typical Catriona Ward fashion. 
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