A review by elwirax
Other Words for Smoke by Sarah Maria Griffin

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

"James. What an ordinary name for a terrible thing..."

 

Other Words for Smoke was an interesting wee book. However, while it had all the ingredients of a peculiar book, the atmosphere and lack of tension didn't do them much justice. 

The second person for Bevan's character was an interesting choice and I enjoyed the subtle point of view changes within chapters. However, the flow got strange halfway through where a whole section was dedicated to previous and future summers before proceeding to the twins returning 3 years later. I think that many of the past summers could have been woven into the previous chapters or perhaps in the footnotes where other parts of the backstory were placed. 

The overall atmosphere of the second summer didn't do much for me. The blurb suggests a mystery but this was very anti-climactic. The point of the competition between Sweet James and Bobby Dear is never really explained nor is the source of the magic. I'm sure there is a moral message in this book somewhere but it is buried amongst the plot (though the social commentary on the mistreatment of women and power was definitely there). 

I must admit that the ending was very good and wrapped up the story wonderfully. 

Overall, I think this book was definitely my vibe but some parts just didn't work for me.