A review by rebelbelle13
Nathaniel by John Saul

dark sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

 
DNF @ 40%. The book started out fine- very atmospheric, and included a creepy farm in the middle of nowhere, family secrets, people dying, a recluse farmer, and a ghost child. The narrative plodded along at a decent pace, and even revealed that the ghost was real, not just in the main character's head. What I really didn't care for was the deflection and control of the family and the way the grandfather started belt whipping the ten year old main character. Then, a baby was killed at birth by the family. Both of these instances made me feel uncomfortable enough that I knew I could not continue. That, combined with the fact that the grandmother and grandfather knew everything but refused to share, and left everyone else in the dark regarding the ghost as a form of control. I have also heard the ending is unresolved. No thank you!

 
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