A review by mxdegroot
Five Survive by Holly Jackson

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I love it when the plot twists don't stop coming once they've started.

I've seen a lot of people talk about how they're bothered by the lack of multiple perspectives, since this is a thriller, but it did not bother me at all. I think it would have revealed too much about
Arthur's family's
plan, and let's be real, I don't think any of us want to get a closer look inside Oliver's brain than we already did.

Red is a wonderfully written character. Grief about a family member's death and the struggle to find closure about it because you don't know what happened, and the things you do don't make sense, really messes with your brain, and that's evident in Red.

You'd think that a book of which the majority takes place within the same square hundred feet would get bored, but it didn't. The tension that comes with being confined with six people in such a small space (with an active shooter watching  at all times) built up bit by bit and had a perfect climax.

To make a long story short, Jackson wrote great characters and a great story, with a gripping climax and a satisfying, albeit open, ending.

And, yes, I'm going to say it: even though bullying is not a justification for murder,
Oliver's
death was very satisfying.

January 6th, 2024 - January 7th, 2024.

“What if I said you were the right people, in the right place at exactly the right time.” 

"This is turning into Lord of the Fucking Flies."

" 'Can we please remember who the real enemy is?’ he pleaded, voice breaking. ‘The guy outside with the fucking rifle. Not any of us.' "

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