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A review by thespicylemon
The Auctioneer by Joan Samson
dark
tense
slow-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
2.0
This book touches on themes of freedom vs safety and the unfortunate consequences of progress and modernization. These themes were relevant in the 1970s and they are still relevant today.
However, I did not enjoy this book. It was a slow burn that never really ignited into a flash fire. I enjoy stories with unlikeable characters but I hated the feeble minded, pathetic characters who were willing to roll over on their backs and give away everything. This wasn’t a case of a frog in a pot where the water slowly comes to a boil. The townspeople of Harlowe were completely aware of what was happening and just let it happen.
There also wasn’t enough characterization done in my opinion. Perley is supposed to be this super charming guy and that’s what makes people warm up to him so quickly. But there’s only really one scene where we see that happen.
Overall this book wasn’t completely terrible and I do enjoy a slow burn story. But in my opinion it lacks something to fully develop the metaphor it’s supposed to be.
However, I did not enjoy this book. It was a slow burn that never really ignited into a flash fire. I enjoy stories with unlikeable characters but I hated the feeble minded, pathetic characters who were willing to roll over on their backs and give away everything. This wasn’t a case of a frog in a pot where the water slowly comes to a boil. The townspeople of Harlowe were completely aware of what was happening and just let it happen.
There also wasn’t enough characterization done in my opinion. Perley is supposed to be this super charming guy and that’s what makes people warm up to him so quickly. But there’s only really one scene where we see that happen.
Overall this book wasn’t completely terrible and I do enjoy a slow burn story. But in my opinion it lacks something to fully develop the metaphor it’s supposed to be.