A review by catsonthewindowsill
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

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

3.5

I had a good time, sure the plot twist was  not as twisty as intended. (Maybe I’m too shrewd?) and I also almost wished for more focus on Amma but ultimately the book is a good time. I saw criticism for the way the book approaches teen and pre-teen bodies, I concur it’s in a nearly brutal always graphic way I think this is just a reflection of the brutality Camille unloads on others. She didn’t escape her mother by turning inwards fully so her tone when describing the tween girls around her is a super imposition of what was done to her body when she was their age, she’s projecting what she thinks others saw in her as a justification, to make sense of herself. And maybe to make a point about how especially Amma is trapped between beguiling childishness and weaponising her own body. It didn’t bother me so much that I feel the book fell underneath this internal narrative but I’m still glad it’s over. 
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