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A review by dar0822
Defending Jacob by William Landay
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
3.0
The actual writing of this book was phenomenal, and that's why it was not difficult to finish it. In fact, I couldn't put it down. Everything else about this book pissed me off.
Andy's character was the worst offender (besides Jacob, who it was obvious part way through the book that he had done it.) , because he refused to accept that Jacob was problematic in any way.
Second, the way Andy so easily criticized other people's appearance, especially women and especially his wife, was disgusting. I can understand it as a storytelling strategy-- you want the reader to know what people look like, sure. But through Andy's perspective, everything was saturated in sexism.
Maybe the author's intent was for us to dislike Andy. Maybe some people can relate to parts of him. Personally, I couldn't stand him and felt that he is partially to blame for much of what happened in the book, especially the ending.
The ending of the book felt like a circus. My reaction was, "Did I really just read that?" And not in a good way.
Andy's character was the worst offender
Second, the way Andy so easily criticized other people's appearance, especially women and especially his wife, was disgusting. I can understand it as a storytelling strategy-- you want the reader to know what people look like, sure. But through Andy's perspective, everything was saturated in sexism.
Maybe the author's intent was for us to dislike Andy. Maybe some people can relate to parts of him. Personally, I couldn't stand him and felt that he is partially to blame for much of what happened in the book, especially the ending.
The ending of the book felt like a circus. My reaction was, "Did I really just read that?" And not in a good way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Murder
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism