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mygeekblasphemy 's review for:
The Steep and Thorny Way
by Cat Winters
I enjoyed this, though possibly not quite as much as I'd hoped. The pacing and plotting of the story felt a bit off to me, and I think I was hoping for a bit more of an atmospheric ghost story. Also--and I feel hugely hypocritical for saying this, as someone who frequently writes loose retellings--I was kind of hoping that the book would stick a bit closer to the source material. Not too close: I actually quite like the end, as well as the novel's overall tone, which isn't miserable and tragic. Big plus. But I was hoping a few more plot beats from Hamlet would echo in this novel, even if they were subverted. (Actually, especially if they were subverted.)
On the other hand, Hanalee is a great protagonist. I enjoy her quite a bit. I also really like the evolution of her relationship with Joe: they start the novel in one place and end up somewhere very different, and I buy that journey. This is pivotal to me, because I don't always: even platonic relationships can be easily rushed at times. And I did think the moments of everyday, casual racism were well done, like the "helpful" suggestions about skin bleaching.
Overall, not my absolute favorite, but a decent read, and I can easily see how it might work better for other readers.
On the other hand, Hanalee is a great protagonist. I enjoy her quite a bit. I also really like the evolution of her relationship with Joe: they start the novel in one place and end up somewhere very different, and I buy that journey. This is pivotal to me, because I don't always: even platonic relationships can be easily rushed at times. And I did think the moments of everyday, casual racism were well done, like the "helpful" suggestions about skin bleaching.
Overall, not my absolute favorite, but a decent read, and I can easily see how it might work better for other readers.