A review by cheye13
Savage Girl by Jean Zimmerman

informative mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This was engaging enough to continue reading beyond simply wanting to know the answer. The writing itself was entertaining and the events along or aside of the plot interesting enough. I enjoyed the nod to real history and the subtle emphasis on feminist (and other leftist) action and theory at the time.

I'm not a fan of the historical genre, especially this time period, but I had hopes for the mystery/thriller aspects. As is, I felt there was no real tension or thrill to the events. The execution of the unreliable narrator was trite, the resolution inconsequential if not entirely predictable. The biggest let down for me was the "romance" element – though it perhaps is not meant to be overt, I found myself reading Hugo and Bronwyn more as genuine siblings rather than leaning into the taboo of his attraction to her.

The beginning is slow, the middle interesting, the end ruinous – too rushed, and too well-tied.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings