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A review by blakethebookeater
The Harpy by Megan Hunter
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book...was an experience.
It was so short that it didn't overstay its welcome, which I appreciated, but at the same time I wish there had been a little more meat on its bones.
Lucy discovers her husband is cheating on her and in return, he allows her to hurt him three times (hence the title, the vengeful Harpy coming to dole out her justice). And honestly this novel did not get as dark or intense as I wanted it to. There were moments when it came close, but then it shied away; and while the prose was beautiful and concise, it kept me at too much of a distance from the characters that I honestly didn't really care about them at all.
Lucy's thoughts and emotions are what binds this book together, but that's mostly all that's there. The actual events of the book could take place over a 30 min episode of TV, fully contained. And I'd be lying if I didn't say I wanted to see more of the drama, more of the Harpy coming out in Lucy's actions and in that sense I was slightly disappointed. I do feel that this book is worth a read though, because it does have some pretty great passages in it, and is short enough to be read in a single sitting!
It was so short that it didn't overstay its welcome, which I appreciated, but at the same time I wish there had been a little more meat on its bones.
Lucy discovers her husband is cheating on her and in return, he allows her to hurt him three times (hence the title, the vengeful Harpy coming to dole out her justice). And honestly this novel did not get as dark or intense as I wanted it to. There were moments when it came close, but then it shied away; and while the prose was beautiful and concise, it kept me at too much of a distance from the characters that I honestly didn't really care about them at all.
Lucy's thoughts and emotions are what binds this book together, but that's mostly all that's there. The actual events of the book could take place over a 30 min episode of TV, fully contained. And I'd be lying if I didn't say I wanted to see more of the drama, more of the Harpy coming out in Lucy's actions and in that sense I was slightly disappointed. I do feel that this book is worth a read though, because it does have some pretty great passages in it, and is short enough to be read in a single sitting!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Domestic abuse, Suicide, Violence, and Eating disorder
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual assault