A review by jill_holly
Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller

challenging dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

When I was halfway through this book, I still hadn't decided if I liked it. A slow burn thriller about a woman and a couple who end up surveying a decaying estate in rural England one summer. Needless to say, relationships get complicated and tension uncomfortably builds throughout the book. I was worried the climax wouldn't be satisfying after all the build-up, and while it wasn't exactly what I expected, it was exactly what it should be. I loved the two layered and complex women at the centre of the story and I wish the book had been able to explore their inner worlds further. I also thought multiple times that this would be a great film. Gave me "Talented Mr. Ripley" vibes.