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A review by yandichih
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
2.5
I really wanted to like this book but it's a 2.5 stars.
Where do I even start? 😅
I'm not entirely sure what to make of “The Last House on Needless Street”. I'll be honest; this book left me feeling a bit like a cat stuck in a paper bag — confused, and unsure if I liked it or not.
Let's start with the pacing... I initially found it challenging to become immersed in the story. It was sloooooow and I guess I just prefer books that kick things up a notch. However, credit where it's due, the subject matter is undeniably intriguing and unsettling, and Ward tackles it with a level of finesse, but it didn't save the overall experience for me. I found myself wrestling with the narrative, unable to decide if I should push through or toss it aside. The confusion peaked around the three-quarters mark, and my impatience led me to search for answers. Spoiler alert: that didn't help.
This book definitely has its moments. It's well-executed, but the sluggish pace and my struggle for engagement left me scratching my head. Indeed, I'm still trying to figure out whether the confusion I feel is a testament to the book's brilliance or my own shortcomings as a reader.
Maybe it's just not my cup of tea. 🍵
CW: Child abuse, mental illness/disorder, child death, animal cruelty, and vomit.
Where do I even start? 😅
I'm not entirely sure what to make of “The Last House on Needless Street”. I'll be honest; this book left me feeling a bit like a cat stuck in a paper bag — confused, and unsure if I liked it or not.
Let's start with the pacing... I initially found it challenging to become immersed in the story. It was sloooooow and I guess I just prefer books that kick things up a notch. However, credit where it's due, the subject matter is undeniably intriguing and unsettling, and Ward tackles it with a level of finesse, but it didn't save the overall experience for me. I found myself wrestling with the narrative, unable to decide if I should push through or toss it aside. The confusion peaked around the three-quarters mark, and my impatience led me to search for answers. Spoiler alert: that didn't help.
This book definitely has its moments. It's well-executed, but the sluggish pace and my struggle for engagement left me scratching my head. Indeed, I'm still trying to figure out whether the confusion I feel is a testament to the book's brilliance or my own shortcomings as a reader.
Maybe it's just not my cup of tea. 🍵
CW: Child abuse, mental illness/disorder, child death, animal cruelty, and vomit.