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A review by rgoth
Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead by Jenny Hollander
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is, for lack of a better term, quite peculiar.
While it features a reasonably engaging plot and the writing is undeniably strong, I couldn't shake the feeling that something essential was lacking. I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters; they felt rather flat and one-dimensional. Take Charlie and Tripp, for instance: they are on the brink of getting married, yet there are significant gaps in their knowledge about each other’s pasts. It struck me as odd that Charlie, who seems either excessively naive or, more likely, quite self-absorbed, doesn't feel compelled to inquire about Tripp's previous relationship or even ask for a photo that might reveal more about his past.
Additionally, I grappled with grasping the motivations behind several of the major themes woven throughout the story. It left me pondering the deeper significance of the narrative, as the character development and relational dynamics felt insufficient to support the weight of the themes being explored. Overall, while there are certainly commendable aspects to the book, the lack of depth in both characters and their interactions made for a less fulfilling reading experience.
While it features a reasonably engaging plot and the writing is undeniably strong, I couldn't shake the feeling that something essential was lacking. I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters; they felt rather flat and one-dimensional. Take Charlie and Tripp, for instance: they are on the brink of getting married, yet there are significant gaps in their knowledge about each other’s pasts. It struck me as odd that Charlie, who seems either excessively naive or, more likely, quite self-absorbed, doesn't feel compelled to inquire about Tripp's previous relationship or even ask for a photo that might reveal more about his past.
Additionally, I grappled with grasping the motivations behind several of the major themes woven throughout the story. It left me pondering the deeper significance of the narrative, as the character development and relational dynamics felt insufficient to support the weight of the themes being explored. Overall, while there are certainly commendable aspects to the book, the lack of depth in both characters and their interactions made for a less fulfilling reading experience.