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A review by dimondc
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It’s a cozy easy read set in a cute town that’s enjoyable to picture walking around in. I didn’t like the main character much at all. I found it hard to root for her, which is difficult because the main plot is rooting for her to find her happiness. There also seem to be loose ends that feel like unfinished thoughts and backstory. Sophie is supposed to be mysterious but it seems like there was a struggle to balance and portray her backstory. Her house guests are just haphazardly explained in a sentence or two at the end. They add nothing to the story. It would have also been nice for Sophie to share why she makes so many tonics and teas. Is that part of being a witch or is that just her? If it’s witchy behavior, what purpose does it serve/why do they do it?
The fortune teller plot is also never really explained. It would have made more sense for the psychic to see visions of spiders or something.
I ADORE Ralph and how he was written. How the author made him SO alive and full of personality is wonderful. I wish we had glimpses of him sooner because he just suddenly exists. It feels like another full circle moment was missed. the circle almost made it all the way with the motif beginning when Annie moved in. But why that symbol? What is the significance or history? Having Annie see Ralph out of the corner of her eye when she first visits Sophie’s but dismissing it would have been a small way to connect it. Or seeing a crochet hat or sweater project Sophie was working on for Ralph and being confused would have been perfect.
Beyond some plot structure critiques, the writing was great! I was never pulled out of the story because of a cliche line or repetitive phrases. I did not get any “Wattpad” vibes either which is harder to find now of days.
I hate giving the book a 3 because I enjoyed the slow easy plot. I enjoyed Saturday breakfast in the beautiful mansion in the woods. I enjoyed trying the jam and fresh fruit at the farmers market and pancakes at the diner. It was very relaxing. Even with my plot critiques, I’d give it an easy 4. But Annie, as cute as you are in my mind, you are too caught up in your own life and take advantage of the kindness SO many people gave you.
The fortune teller plot is also never really explained. It would have made more sense for the psychic to see visions of spiders or something.
I ADORE Ralph and how he was written. How the author made him SO alive and full of personality is wonderful. I wish we had glimpses of him sooner because he just suddenly exists. It feels like another full circle moment was missed. the circle almost made it all the way with the motif beginning when Annie moved in. But why that symbol? What is the significance or history? Having Annie see Ralph out of the corner of her eye when she first visits Sophie’s but dismissing it would have been a small way to connect it. Or seeing a crochet hat or sweater project Sophie was working on for Ralph and being confused would have been perfect.
Beyond some plot structure critiques, the writing was great! I was never pulled out of the story because of a cliche line or repetitive phrases. I did not get any “Wattpad” vibes either which is harder to find now of days.
I hate giving the book a 3 because I enjoyed the slow easy plot. I enjoyed Saturday breakfast in the beautiful mansion in the woods. I enjoyed trying the jam and fresh fruit at the farmers market and pancakes at the diner. It was very relaxing. Even with my plot critiques, I’d give it an easy 4. But Annie, as cute as you are in my mind, you are too caught up in your own life and take advantage of the kindness SO many people gave you.