A review by rmnedder
Let the Right One in by John Ajvide Lindqvist

challenging dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

What a gorgeous, deeply nauseating book. The shifting perspectives never felt overwhelming or odd; it helped stitch together this really complicated story. The complicated friendship/puppy love/something deeper between Eli and Oskar was really gorgeous to read on the page. This is actually one of the only vampire stories I've ever read that doesn't romanticize vampirism (and don't get me wrong, I do love that); it's not something sensual or erotic, it's a deeply isolating burden. It's seen as and treated like the curse it really is, which is a really refreshing take on vampirism. I only wish it moved faster - the events of the book take place over the course of a matter of days, but with how much happens and how dense it gets, it does drag a little.

To this day, one of my favorite vampire stories. I watched the film when I was younger and still navigating who I was, and Eli's "I am not a boy, I am not a girl, I am nothing" speech has always struck something in me. I'm glad I finally got to know the full story.
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