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nataliecoyne 's review for:
Apple Tree Yard
by Louise Doughty
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was really amazing and the plot was very interested. I was so captivated by this book that I pretty much finished it all within one sitting (read 40 pages last night, but the other 280 all in one sitting today). The characterization was great, and the ending was very satisfying. I loved the last minute twist (that I won't spoil otherwise).
However, what did make me partially uncomfortable and why this is 3.75 stars instead of anything higher is the perspective that Louise Doughty used in writing/the pronouns she used in writing. More specifically, when referring to the male main character (who I'm going to keep nameless here just because he isn't named until very late in the book so I don't know saying his name is considered a spoiler), she refers to him as "you" throughout 99% of the book, almost in a way of having the reader self-insert themselves into that character. This is always a writing choice that makes me uncomfortable and I'm not 100% sure that I would've picked this book up if I knew this was the choice the book used.
Still, how absolutely interesting this book was made up for that fault and I don't necessarily regret picking it up and reading it. I would also recommend it to others, though I'd just warn others about that writing choice in case it similarly makes others uncomfortable.
However, what did make me partially uncomfortable and why this is 3.75 stars instead of anything higher is the perspective that Louise Doughty used in writing/the pronouns she used in writing. More specifically, when referring to the male main character (who I'm going to keep nameless here just because he isn't named until very late in the book so I don't know saying his name is considered a spoiler), she refers to him as "you" throughout 99% of the book, almost in a way of having the reader self-insert themselves into that character. This is always a writing choice that makes me uncomfortable and I'm not 100% sure that I would've picked this book up if I knew this was the choice the book used.
Still, how absolutely interesting this book was made up for that fault and I don't necessarily regret picking it up and reading it. I would also recommend it to others, though I'd just warn others about that writing choice in case it similarly makes others uncomfortable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Stalking, Alcohol
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Murder, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Suicide, Blood, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia