mairead_parade 's review for:

Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips
4.25
dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
I think it's important to go into this knowing that it's essentially Shakespeare. Although there is a lot of really interesting historical detail about West Virginia during and after the Civil War, if you're looking for realistic historical fiction, this has one too many mistaken identities, amnesia plots, forbidden loves and witches in the woods. But, in that context, I found it very effective. I took issue with some choices Phillips makes in writing an abusive relationship that's central to the plot but otherwise really enjoyed.
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