A review by the_book_griffin
Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This book had some elements that provided interesting social commentary about issues in feminism, and how a society that doesn't treat women with respect can impact female friendships. The author did put some creative spins on the original myth, but unfortunately, her treatment of issues related to mental health as a plot element were extremely off-putting.
Any story where suicide is treated as a character defining moment of a woman choosing her own path, and where it is also a plot answer solution to the character's problems is a very dangerous message to be giving young women. I think the good elements of this book were ruined by this glaring oversight. I'm really not sure how it got by the sensitivity readers. I understand that the death of the original Lady Shalott was an unavoidable obstacle in the author's attempt to rehabilitate this character as a modern heroine, but maybe some characters should be left as they were. Elaine is not the model we need.
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