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A review by its_me_again_emma
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Hidden Pictures is perfectly paced starting with an opening memory that sets the tone for the rest of the novel and asks the question, can we detect other presences that defy rational explanation? This and other questions of the psyche are explored through the narrative's various characters, specifically Mallory Quinn and Ted and Caroline Maxwell.
For the question of "strong character development," I chose a middle-ground answer because I didn't feel anyone's characterizations drastically change, but Mallory, the main character, begins to feel like she's carving a place out for herself in the world when she's living with and working for the Maxwells. I also chose a middle-ground answer for diversity not on the basis that most of the prominent characters are the same race but because they are all of the same elite class with Mallory being an exception. However, there is significant time spent learning about the affluent community's racist past and present, so I did not give it a middle-ground rating to detract from the novel in any way.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book from start to finish nor did I encounter any of the stale plot points I expected to see.
For the question of "strong character development," I chose a middle-ground answer because I didn't feel anyone's characterizations drastically change, but Mallory, the main character, begins to feel like she's carving a place out for herself in the world when she's living with and working for the Maxwells. I also chose a middle-ground answer for diversity not on the basis that most of the prominent characters are the same race but because they are all of the same elite class with Mallory being an exception. However, there is significant time spent learning about the affluent community's racist past and present, so I did not give it a middle-ground rating to detract from the novel in any way.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book from start to finish nor did I encounter any of the stale plot points I expected to see.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse
Moderate: Stalking and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism and Car accident