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A review by abbeyroad1410
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I'm going to be thinking about this book for awhile. I can honestly say I have read nothing like it and for that reason alone, I highly recommend it. The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is extraordinarily campy and left me with more questions than answers.
One of my fascinations has always been with time loops, so it was fun to see one in this novel and explore the concept of whether our actions actually affect time or if what happens once is bound to be repeated over and over again. The novel looks at both theories at times which makes it super interesting.
Stuart Turton also does a wonderful job of exploring the different hosts disabilities as well as their strengths. Where hosts may have physical impairments or a harsh background, the main character also uplifted and emphasized parts of the hosts that were helpful.
Additionally, the novel has a very hopeful message and tone to it despite the dark themes and concepts it explores. The hopeful ending and tone make getting through what can be a tedious novel (simply because of the twists and turns and time jumps) so worth it at the end.
Overall, I feel completely fulfilled by the ending and still pondering some of the world-building elements. I have so many unanswered questions including in what time period was this even taking place? Yet, not having these answers adds to the overall mysterious and foreboding nature of the story.
One of my fascinations has always been with time loops, so it was fun to see one in this novel and explore the concept of whether our actions actually affect time or if what happens once is bound to be repeated over and over again. The novel looks at both theories at times which makes it super interesting.
Stuart Turton also does a wonderful job of exploring the different hosts disabilities as well as their strengths. Where hosts may have physical impairments or a harsh background, the main character also uplifted and emphasized parts of the hosts that were helpful.
Additionally, the novel has a very hopeful message and tone to it despite the dark themes and concepts it explores. The hopeful ending and tone make getting through what can be a tedious novel (simply because of the twists and turns and time jumps) so worth it at the end.
Overall, I feel completely fulfilled by the ending and still pondering some of the world-building elements. I have so many unanswered questions including in what time period was this even taking place? Yet, not having these answers adds to the overall mysterious and foreboding nature of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Sexual assault