Scan barcode
A review by hdhreads
Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Mostly Dead Things is a story of love and loss. The story centres around Jessa as she tries to manage her grief while running her family’s struggling taxidermy shop following her father’s suicide. Jessa is also contending with a broken heart, having secretly been having an affair with her brother’s wife, who has now run out and left them both for another man. The book alternates between present day and past events, which gradually build the complete story for the reader.
With strong character development, I felt I really got to know Jessa and quickly became absorbed in her story. The backdrop of taxidermy creates a colourful, quirky texture to the whole tale.
Parts of the story made me feel uncomfortable, personally - references to killing animals in cruel ways - which I thought were unnecessary to the story. I also felt the ending was slightly unsatisfying, but can’t really put my finger on exactly why.
Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable and easy read!
With strong character development, I felt I really got to know Jessa and quickly became absorbed in her story. The backdrop of taxidermy creates a colourful, quirky texture to the whole tale.
Parts of the story made me feel uncomfortable, personally - references to killing animals in cruel ways - which I thought were unnecessary to the story. I also felt the ending was slightly unsatisfying, but can’t really put my finger on exactly why.
Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable and easy read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death