A review by bloomed
Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan

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

4.0

a little bit of a slow start, but in the same way that it takes time for a pot of water to start to boil—it feels natural, and very, very worth the wait. 

ordinary human failings is exactly the title presents it to be: a story centered around a family, and all of their flaws and failings. told with snappy, crisp writing, it’s a quick read that goes down smoothly.

the murder mystery aspect of the story is a little thinner than i expected, but i honestly enjoyed that it was more of a character study than a crime novel. it was an interesting departure from the writing nolan did in acts of desperation, too; i really liked seeing how she braided together every family member’s trauma, and seeing how it unfolded as part of the greater story.
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