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A review by fionab_16
The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Pierrot and Rose’s tragic love story might just end up being one of my favourites ever.
Heather O’Neill’s writing is beautiful she can describe the most mundane, everyday things in such a way to make them seem magical.
I have seen marketing comparing this novel to The Night Circus, I think if you go into this story expecting another Night Circus you will be disappointed. This story is much grittier. Whereas the Night Circus is Fantasy, The Lonely Hearts Hotel is Magical Realism. The circus created here is not conjured up by magic but by hard work sacrifice and financed by organised crime. This story won’t be for everyone and there are a lot of trigger warnings.
Heather O’Neill’s writing is beautiful she can describe the most mundane, everyday things in such a way to make them seem magical.
I have seen marketing comparing this novel to The Night Circus, I think if you go into this story expecting another Night Circus you will be disappointed. This story is much grittier. Whereas the Night Circus is Fantasy, The Lonely Hearts Hotel is Magical Realism. The circus created here is not conjured up by magic but by hard work sacrifice and financed by organised crime. This story won’t be for everyone and there are a lot of trigger warnings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug use, Abandonment, and Miscarriage