A review by smileysam
Tampa by Alissa Nutting

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

My friend asked me if I had read Tampa and explained that she had only made it about 40 pages in before feeling too uncomfortable and awkward to continue. I then had my curiosity piqued and decided I’d give it a try. Honestly, a lot of this book was... Uncomfortable to read, to say the least. I found myself spending the entire duration of the book waiting for justice to be served to Celeste, for the consequences of her own actions to crush her.
Unfortunately, much like many real life instances, Celeste seemingly just got a slap on the wrist. To me, this book felt moreso like watching the unravelling of Jack Patrick, Celeste’s first victim, and his life slowly fall into shambles due to her grooming and preying on him.
It wasn’t necessarily a “bad” read - it was well written, but it was uncomfortable and not something I’d describe as enjoyable. 
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