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A review by laurenjade_
My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was really different to a lot of things I've read: it was part thriller, part romance, part paranormal.
The book tells the story of our protagonist, Roos, a young woman who can see spirits - namely, a spirit who has attached herself to Roos, Ruth.
There's a deep sadness throughout this tale. Roos is just a woman who just wants someone to love her for who she is, yet she's unable to find that. She's naive and vulnerable, and she's so lonely as a result of who she is, and how she's been raised. The story follows Roos as her life begins to change, and how her choices begin to affect those around her.
I think the author has written this so well as I still, even after finishing the book and seeing the conclusion, do not know whether Ruth (and Peter, and Thomas) are real. Whether they're actually spirits that can be seen, or whether they're simply the conjuring of a mentally unwell woman/women.
I enjoyed the recorded conversations with the doctor that are dotted throughout the book, I think they added a really unique take on the story.
I'd definitely read something by Johanna Van Veen again, and I really recommend this as a unique read to anyone who is looking for something a bit different!
The book tells the story of our protagonist, Roos, a young woman who can see spirits - namely, a spirit who has attached herself to Roos, Ruth.
There's a deep sadness throughout this tale. Roos is just a woman who just wants someone to love her for who she is, yet she's unable to find that. She's naive and vulnerable, and she's so lonely as a result of who she is, and how she's been raised. The story follows Roos as her life begins to change, and how her choices begin to affect those around her.
I think the author has written this so well as I still, even after finishing the book and seeing the conclusion, do not know whether Ruth (and Peter, and Thomas) are real. Whether they're actually spirits that can be seen, or whether they're simply the conjuring of a mentally unwell woman/women.
I enjoyed the recorded conversations with the doctor that are dotted throughout the book, I think they added a really unique take on the story.
I'd definitely read something by Johanna Van Veen again, and I really recommend this as a unique read to anyone who is looking for something a bit different!