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A review by claudiaslibrarycard
Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent
dark
tense
medium-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
3.5
Unraveling Oliver is Liz Nugent's debut novel. I've been reading through her backlist since enjoying Strange Sally Diamond last year. In this character driven novel, we learn about Oliver in reverse. Oliver is currently in his late fifties and has done something wretchedly violent, much to the surprise of his friends. That is, until they begin reflecting on his past.
The writing style is familiarly Nugent's brand and you can see the bones of what she does in her more recent books. Part of the fun of diving into an author's backlist is seeing how they've grown and changed as a writer, and Nugent has certainly developed and evolved- taking her signature disturbing character driven style and making it more tense and snappy.
This book was quieter than others I've read from her and while there was a mystery and some tension, it did not read like a mystery/thriller. Because I know her style, I saw the reveals coming and it was enjoyable to see how she had planted the clues and then unfolded them later.
I don't think this is a must read. But if you like dark character studies and the question is someone born awful or turned that way, then this is a book that might really work for you.
The writing style is familiarly Nugent's brand and you can see the bones of what she does in her more recent books. Part of the fun of diving into an author's backlist is seeing how they've grown and changed as a writer, and Nugent has certainly developed and evolved- taking her signature disturbing character driven style and making it more tense and snappy.
This book was quieter than others I've read from her and while there was a mystery and some tension, it did not read like a mystery/thriller. Because I know her style, I saw the reveals coming and it was enjoyable to see how she had planted the clues and then unfolded them later.
I don't think this is a must read. But if you like dark character studies and the question is someone born awful or turned that way, then this is a book that might really work for you.