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mwohlbrandt 's review for:
The Ruins
by Scott Smith
I don't know that I'd say I enjoyed this, but now that I'm finished I find myself wanting more. This is a bleak story that doesn't let up, but not super depressing at the same time? Everything is horrible and hard in a vague, but not super emotional way. Truly, this book is unique in terms of not only how it's made me feel (again, that sense of this was really good but dang is it hopeless) but also the writing style and structure. Though not much actual time is covered, Smith plays with character perspectives for everything that happens which draws out the tension and intensity of everything but not in a way that drags.
I don't think many readers will truly and deeply connect with the characters, but that isn't really the point to this one. They're horrible at times but also genuine and react to their situation in a very real way. The way the characters are written lets us view their inner thoughts while still keeping them at a distance and therefore allows us to watch what plays out without feeling too broken up over it.
I'd be hesitant to recommend this to others if I wasn't totally sure it was their style, but I'm really glad I read it.
I don't think many readers will truly and deeply connect with the characters, but that isn't really the point to this one. They're horrible at times but also genuine and react to their situation in a very real way. The way the characters are written lets us view their inner thoughts while still keeping them at a distance and therefore allows us to watch what plays out without feeling too broken up over it.
I'd be hesitant to recommend this to others if I wasn't totally sure it was their style, but I'm really glad I read it.