A review by mirrorofneptune
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

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

1.75

This book could’ve been something but then wasn’t. I found the mystery super compelling at the onset but my interest waned with each chapter. Even when the answer to the mystery was revealed I didn’t feel satisfied– maybe because the main character, despite doing a lot of running around and “investigating,” doesn’t seem to organize her efforts or make any headway at all?  Basically it felt like the narrator hadn’t “earned” the mystery reveal, though I know that’s not a logical take.

There were a lot of interesting themes here I would’ve liked to see explored more and a lot of things I think could’ve been taken out, including
that random plotline with the Cambridge kid who’s into the main character, whose name I don’t even remember because he wasn’t relevant to the plot until he suddenly was
. Also, as my friends and I joked, for a book called the maidens there’s shockingly little about those actual maidens! Would’ve liked to see at least some of them made into full characters instead of feeling like stage props.

I did like The Silent Patient so I’m disappointed. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings