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A review by billymac1962
The End of Everything by Megan Abbott
4.0
As I begin this review, I still don't know whether to give this novel two stars or four.
I'll start with some things I didn't like:
I wasn't that keen on her writing style. I didn't notice this in The Fever, but it seemed the writing was a little too lyrical or poetic at points. This is something that typically drives me away, but I persevered because I became vested very early on in the story.
Another thing I don't like is ambiguity. To a point. I don't mind it if it's something we're not privy to (in this case,,), but I really resent it when we are present in a scene and come away not really knowing what happened (in this case, ). I can assume, but why put the reader through that? It's unnecessary in my opinion.
Also, I'm not a prude, and frankly I love stories that will push limits.
But, oh boy. This one really made me uncomfortable. This is what makes it tough to recommend.
What I did like:
I was so highly engaged in the story I could hardly put it down. Despite the writing style which is saying a lot, coming from me.
And, despite the ugly nature of the story, as much as it was bothersome, I can't get the damn book out of my mind. This is the mark of a great writer regardless of the context of the story.
I can't possibly give a novel that is so affecting two measly stars. So four it is.
It's worth noting here, that I wasn't intending on this novel as being my next Megan Abbott. But, the price suddenly dropped for Kindle so I took that as serendipitous. I know I still haven't read her better ones so this is exciting for sure.
Four stars, and, well, you've been warned.
I'll start with some things I didn't like:
I wasn't that keen on her writing style. I didn't notice this in The Fever, but it seemed the writing was a little too lyrical or poetic at points. This is something that typically drives me away, but I persevered because I became vested very early on in the story.
Another thing I don't like is ambiguity. To a point. I don't mind it if it's something we're not privy to (in this case,
Spoiler
Lizzie's view of Mr. Verver's and his daughter's relationshipSpoiler
what Lizzie actually did with Paul ShawAlso, I'm not a prude, and frankly I love stories that will push limits.
But, oh boy. This one really made me uncomfortable. This is what makes it tough to recommend.
What I did like:
I was so highly engaged in the story I could hardly put it down. Despite the writing style which is saying a lot, coming from me.
And, despite the ugly nature of the story, as much as it was bothersome, I can't get the damn book out of my mind. This is the mark of a great writer regardless of the context of the story.
I can't possibly give a novel that is so affecting two measly stars. So four it is.
It's worth noting here, that I wasn't intending on this novel as being my next Megan Abbott. But, the price suddenly dropped for Kindle so I took that as serendipitous. I know I still haven't read her better ones so this is exciting for sure.
Four stars, and, well, you've been warned.