A review by marjolainegenot
The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

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

2.75

First of all, this novel is incredibly predictable - do not be surprised if you've figured out the main gist of the story a few pages into the book. Lane returns to live with her grandparents following the death of her mother only to find out disturbing secrets have plagued generations of young women in her family. With themes of depression, wealth inequality and Stockholm Syndrome, this book is quite disturbing. Whilst it isn't badly written itself and certainly isn't selling itself to be the next best American novel, the plot and some of the characters feel like stock characters and the lack of nuance cheapens the experience that Lane and the Roanoke girls navigate. Moreover, although the themes in the novel are quite serious (sexual abuse, incest, rape), there is a lack of finesse with how the topic is handled and the novel feels more sensational than emotional. Quite a page turner and reads a bit like an investigative mystery - can easily be read in one go!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings