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A review by justinkhchen
Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson
2.0
2.5 stars
Every Vow You Break strives to be compared alongside films such as Midsommar and The Wicker Man (1973), about the unfolding terror after journeying to a seemingly laid-back remote location, and the underlying commentary on human nature and societal attitude. Unfortunately the novel turns out to be completely underwhelming, with its off-balanced execution and halfhearted attempt at making a point about modern day misogyny.
**Minor spoiler ahead**
The novel suffers from poor pacing, with its first 30% filled with protagonist's backstory that has no real relevance: Why do we need the detailed breakdown of all Abigail's past relationships? What is the relevance of Abigail's parents story, as well as their theater business? Every Vow You Break attempts to establish a link between Abigail's character trait and upbringing, to her blindsided compromise; but the prolonged buildup yields very little payoff, especially considering the story is sorely underdeveloped elsewhere.
Regarding the book's ultimate reveal; while it certainly contains some interesting elements (misogynistic rich males in tech, an isolated retreat with an ulterior purpose), the execution not only lacks in logistic (Why is it so tightly associated with honeymoon? Is a remote location even necessary for its intent and purpose? What is preventing it from being reported by the 'victim'?), but also seemingly pointless (what is the core purpose of this organization? How does this singular ritual satisfy the members' recurring sadistic urge?)
**Minor spoiler ends**
Every Vow You Break makes constantly references to movies, from Friday the 13th to Vertigo, which is sadly ironic because its own story is nowhere near the same caliber. The book inadvertently highlights its own problem: for the tale it's trying to tell, it really should've been written as horror (like 75% of the movies it references throughout) rather than a commercial thriller. As it currently stands, it's very much trapped by the thriller conventions and tropes, and the non-committal tone to go for the extreme really hinders the reading experience, making it neither here nor there.
**Literally Dead Book Club April 2021 Selection**
Every Vow You Break strives to be compared alongside films such as Midsommar and The Wicker Man (1973), about the unfolding terror after journeying to a seemingly laid-back remote location, and the underlying commentary on human nature and societal attitude. Unfortunately the novel turns out to be completely underwhelming, with its off-balanced execution and halfhearted attempt at making a point about modern day misogyny.
**Minor spoiler ahead**
The novel suffers from poor pacing, with its first 30% filled with protagonist's backstory that has no real relevance: Why do we need the detailed breakdown of all Abigail's past relationships? What is the relevance of Abigail's parents story, as well as their theater business? Every Vow You Break attempts to establish a link between Abigail's character trait and upbringing, to her blindsided compromise; but the prolonged buildup yields very little payoff, especially considering the story is sorely underdeveloped elsewhere.
Regarding the book's ultimate reveal; while it certainly contains some interesting elements (misogynistic rich males in tech, an isolated retreat with an ulterior purpose), the execution not only lacks in logistic (Why is it so tightly associated with honeymoon? Is a remote location even necessary for its intent and purpose? What is preventing it from being reported by the 'victim'?), but also seemingly pointless (what is the core purpose of this organization? How does this singular ritual satisfy the members' recurring sadistic urge?)
**Minor spoiler ends**
Every Vow You Break makes constantly references to movies, from Friday the 13th to Vertigo, which is sadly ironic because its own story is nowhere near the same caliber. The book inadvertently highlights its own problem: for the tale it's trying to tell, it really should've been written as horror (like 75% of the movies it references throughout) rather than a commercial thriller. As it currently stands, it's very much trapped by the thriller conventions and tropes, and the non-committal tone to go for the extreme really hinders the reading experience, making it neither here nor there.
**Literally Dead Book Club April 2021 Selection**