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asourceoffiction 's review for:
Platform Seven
by Louise Doughty
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The book starts with a clever narrative restriction, having to stay confined to the area around Peterborough station. It introduces a few threads whose connections to Lisa are not immediately clear (which mirrors her current state well).
But I liked the set up; by the time you get into Lisa's story it's hard not to be invested because you know where it's leading. But I also really liked how she has to delve into so many other people's experiences before she can remember her own (Dalmar, Melissa, Andrew, Lockhart). It left me intrigued to return to the present as well as curious to know about the past.
There's a devastating futility in the story, but there's also oddly a stream of hope that manages to keep flowing even after the worst circumstances. It's quite a clever examination of our ability to heal.
But I liked the set up; by the time you get into Lisa's story it's hard not to be invested because you know where it's leading. But I also really liked how she has to delve into so many other people's experiences before she can remember her own (Dalmar, Melissa, Andrew, Lockhart). It left me intrigued to return to the present as well as curious to know about the past.
There's a devastating futility in the story, but there's also oddly a stream of hope that manages to keep flowing even after the worst circumstances. It's quite a clever examination of our ability to heal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Suicide
Moderate: Pedophilia, Physical abuse