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A review by barefootmegz
Sanctuary by Andi C. Buchanan
4.0
The trick to enjoying Sanctuary, is expecting the right thing - and I guess I was lucky, because my expectations were spot-on. Sanctuary is the story of a bunch of misfits - both corporeal and slightly less-so - creating a safe space in a less-than-safe world.
The novel is character-driven, not plot-driven. There are many characters, and if you want to get deep into their heads without using your own imagination, you will be disappointed. Personally, I have discovered a little niche of books that explore a group of characters who exist in a similar setting, often a household situation-ship, and I enjoy it tremendously.
Sanctuary offers suggestion, not fully-formed answers. For example, we never learn exactly what Araminta experienced in her younger life, but we know enough to guess. I believe that when the reader is allowed to fill gaps in a character’s story, it allows the reader more opportunity to see parts of themselves in the character.
Frankly, a group of adults with ADHD and other diverse factors, making a home for themselves in a huge old house, would already attract me into reading it. I AM HERE FOR IT! The paranormal angle was fun, and I loved reading about the different ghosts, as well as their histories. That definitely held my attention, and I suspect Buchanan had great fun writing it.
There has been criticism about the plot being slow, or starting too late, but like I said, I did not see this as a plot-driven novel at all. I don’t know if that was intentional on the author’s side, but it is how I feel about the novel, and I’m sticking to it.
My biggest criticisms are:
The fight scene is confusing and messy, but not in a good way;
The final chapter is very preachy/didactic.
Oh, and Isobel’s interspersed narrative? I am so intrigued, and I want to read those insets again! I have no idea what it all means, but I’m happy to use my imagination.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The novel is character-driven, not plot-driven. There are many characters, and if you want to get deep into their heads without using your own imagination, you will be disappointed. Personally, I have discovered a little niche of books that explore a group of characters who exist in a similar setting, often a household situation-ship, and I enjoy it tremendously.
Sanctuary offers suggestion, not fully-formed answers. For example, we never learn exactly what Araminta experienced in her younger life, but we know enough to guess. I believe that when the reader is allowed to fill gaps in a character’s story, it allows the reader more opportunity to see parts of themselves in the character.
Frankly, a group of adults with ADHD and other diverse factors, making a home for themselves in a huge old house, would already attract me into reading it. I AM HERE FOR IT! The paranormal angle was fun, and I loved reading about the different ghosts, as well as their histories. That definitely held my attention, and I suspect Buchanan had great fun writing it.
There has been criticism about the plot being slow, or starting too late, but like I said, I did not see this as a plot-driven novel at all. I don’t know if that was intentional on the author’s side, but it is how I feel about the novel, and I’m sticking to it.
My biggest criticisms are:
The fight scene is confusing and messy, but not in a good way;
The final chapter is very preachy/didactic.
Oh, and Isobel’s interspersed narrative? I am so intrigued, and I want to read those insets again! I have no idea what it all means, but I’m happy to use my imagination.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.