A review by sheistolerable
You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz

inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

The first half of the book builds tension really well, but the release valve comes too early (about half way through) and after that the thriller energy is lost. For a book billed as a finely observed study of place, I questioned some glaring details (a twelve year old NYC private school boy who holds his mom's hand? With three hours free in Manhattan, she decides to go out to Long Island, because you can totally get there and back in three hours on a weekday?) Ultimately disappointing after a tense and compelling first half.
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