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A review by greenwillow77
The Cloisters by Katy Hays
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is an excellent read, interesting & compelling in equal measures. It has the dark academia aesthetic running through it like a seam of crystal, the subject matter is fascinating, & the descriptive writing is a joy.
The comparison with ‘The Secret History’ isn’t one I would agree with except on a superficial level, & I think it’s one that this book doesn’t need. I would compare it more to Tara Burton’s ‘Social Creature’, the drive to succeed in a discipline, a place & an arena that favours the monied & established is the engine of the story. Ann feels her disadvantages, her average background which she has fought to distinguish herself in, her grief & guilt, & those are what influence her decisions. Rachel is the effortlessly beautiful, clever & monied woman, who the story draws out with exquisite tension to reveal in more detail, her beliefs & actions in sharp relief.
Very enjoyable, a great education in the history of the tarot, & a good read. I look forward to what the author gives us next.
The comparison with ‘The Secret History’ isn’t one I would agree with except on a superficial level, & I think it’s one that this book doesn’t need. I would compare it more to Tara Burton’s ‘Social Creature’, the drive to succeed in a discipline, a place & an arena that favours the monied & established is the engine of the story. Ann feels her disadvantages, her average background which she has fought to distinguish herself in, her grief & guilt, & those are what influence her decisions. Rachel is the effortlessly beautiful, clever & monied woman, who the story draws out with exquisite tension to reveal in more detail, her beliefs & actions in sharp relief.
Very enjoyable, a great education in the history of the tarot, & a good read. I look forward to what the author gives us next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Eating disorder and Car accident
Minor: Toxic friendship