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A review by knightscottage
The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding by Holly Ringland
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
After initially not finishing this book about a third of the way,
I set it aside for a week and picked it up again. Judging by other reviews I'm not alone in struggling with this book.
Its a very slow first half with poor pacing throughout.
The two initial main characters are not at all likeable (Esther and her mother) whom I was repelled by. Starting a novel this way does not encourage one to continue reading. It is also not helped by endless descriptions of Esther's drunken vomiting, bad sex and generally being an awful juvenile person at age 26? or 27?
I could not picture the cast in my mind due to the lack of physical character descriptions. For this reason I really couldn't immerse myself at all in the story. There wasn't anything tangible.
Story picks up once its moved overseas. I enjoyed the second half more however I kept putting the book down and finding it a drudgery to finish.
The idea is great. A deep exploration of Grief. Some beautiful descriptions of places especially The Faroe Islands, and Denmark. Tasmania didn't seem like Tasmania to me.
The execution is left lacking. It's a strange story.
I think this could be reworked into a great novel with better editing, especially pacing.
I am surprised because I absolutely loved her previous novel.
I set it aside for a week and picked it up again. Judging by other reviews I'm not alone in struggling with this book.
Its a very slow first half with poor pacing throughout.
The two initial main characters are not at all likeable (Esther and her mother) whom I was repelled by. Starting a novel this way does not encourage one to continue reading. It is also not helped by endless descriptions of Esther's drunken vomiting, bad sex and generally being an awful juvenile person at age 26? or 27?
I could not picture the cast in my mind due to the lack of physical character descriptions. For this reason I really couldn't immerse myself at all in the story. There wasn't anything tangible.
Story picks up once its moved overseas. I enjoyed the second half more however I kept putting the book down and finding it a drudgery to finish.
The idea is great. A deep exploration of Grief. Some beautiful descriptions of places especially The Faroe Islands, and Denmark. Tasmania didn't seem like Tasmania to me.
The execution is left lacking. It's a strange story.
I think this could be reworked into a great novel with better editing, especially pacing.
I am surprised because I absolutely loved her previous novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Grief, and Alcohol