A review by nompilo
Paul by Daisy Lafarge

reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

This was such a tense novel, we are claustrophobically trapped in Frances’ mind as she herself struggles to articulate her needs. It is frustrating to watch her fail to take action in what is a continuously ominous situation but the book adeptly brings to light the skewed power dynamics between this older man and young woman. I liked how the ancient stories of the towns were woven and then mirrored in this book. It was a powerful character study of a relatable, lost and impressionable young woman and a persuasive and delusional (perverted) old man . Could be paired well with Raven Leilani’s Luster or Naoise Dolan’s Exciting Times. 
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