A review by awurdeman
Ripper by Isabel Allende

3.0

I didn't finish this book--I got halfway through before I stopped. Allende defies writing wisdom by showing as often as she tells, and the effect is that readers get a good sense of interlocking personal relationships and histories that gives a sense of scale to the plot's proceedings. My difficulty with this novel, and ultimately my reason for discontinuing, was because that plot wasn't engaging. Halfway through, a series of murders that I felt little connection to were the only impetus compelling me to turn the page (besides the language, which while often workmanlike, occasionally interesting, wasn't enough for me this time around.) I think Allende's a storyteller who deserves the sales she's had, but this book wasn't for me.