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A review by shinyfox
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Scarlett lacks character depth and comes across as incredibly immature, frustratingly naïve, and one dimensional. She didn't grow as a character - she kept repeating the same mistakes and decisions. I don't know why I finished this book. It lacked depth in more than just the characters, yet I found myself unable to stop reading. But the ending? I'm sorry, but Donatella orchestrated the whole thing? -sigh-
I don't understand what drives their father. It makes no sense to me that he would physically hurt his daughters in very obvious, easily seen places. He craves control, sure... but that doesn't mesh with his plans to marry off his eldest daughter. Wouldn't he also be interested in marrying off his youngest daughter to further his power? And if he has physically harmed his youngest daughter and it's been established he hurts both of them, then why would he risk permanently damaging the 'merchandise' (i.e., Scarlett, who is to be married off).
Flowery language was used to describe everything. It was over the top and strange. "periwinkle curiosity" was one that still makes me chuckle from the absurdity.
Thoughts on the 'twist' at the end - Suicide C/W
I'm sorry, but Tella commiting suicide?
First off, I'm not going to touch casual suicide as a plot device.
Second, Scarlett not only watched the person she loved die in front of her but then she watches her sister throw herself to her death and hardly reacts? There's no real description of either her grief, or the numbness she might feel that would protect her and keep her going. Scarlett just seems to get over her sister's death with the snap of a finger.
SO! In conclusion:
Tella is a piece of shit =)
I don't understand what drives their father. It makes no sense to me that he would physically hurt his daughters in very obvious, easily seen places. He craves control, sure... but that doesn't mesh with his plans to marry off his eldest daughter. Wouldn't he also be interested in marrying off his youngest daughter to further his power? And if he has physically harmed his youngest daughter and it's been established he hurts both of them, then why would he risk permanently damaging the 'merchandise' (i.e., Scarlett, who is to be married off).
Flowery language was used to describe everything. It was over the top and strange. "periwinkle curiosity" was one that still makes me chuckle from the absurdity.
Thoughts on the 'twist' at the end - Suicide C/W
First off, I'm not going to touch casual suicide as a plot device.
Second, Scarlett not only watched the person she loved die in front of her but then she watches her sister throw herself to her death and hardly reacts? There's no real description of either her grief, or the numbness she might feel that would protect her and keep her going. Scarlett just seems to get over her sister's death with the snap of a finger.
SO! In conclusion:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, Murder, Gaslighting
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Grief
Minor: Sexual assault, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment