streetwrites 's review for:

I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan

3.0

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This is that old-school, Shirley Jackson style of horror. I think I’m just desensitized to this sort of story, as horror has become so much more sophisticated over this years. I’d also say that this is a rare occasion where a movie adaptation significantly elevates the source material. There are just things missing here that even a fresh coat of paint decades later by the author couldn’t fix. Lots of weird artifacts from a society long gone (and good riddance). Still, there is some genuine craft here in the suspense and mystery of the story. But I also have to remind myself that this was YA before YA was YA, and it’s very apparent that authors and publishers didn’t think young readers were smart enough to handle more nuanced writing.

Character (2.5/5)
Plot & Pacing (3/5)
Setting & Surroundings (2/5)
Dialogue & Diction (2.5/5)
Craft & Voice (3/5)
Reading Experience (3/5)

Final Rating:
2.7/5