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A review by pineconek
Little Star by John Ajvide Lindqvist
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.25
The twists! The turns! The dark scandinavian vibes! The detachment in descriptions of violence!
I don't want to spoil too much, so I'll say this: Little Star is the story of two girls. One of them is found as a newborn in the woods and is raised in... questionable conditions. The other grows up as the youngest sibling in a comfortable nuclear home. Both have an affinity for music and poetry. Both have curious perceptions of morality. Both know that they are little, and the big people of the world will gobble them up.
I read this in about three sittings and generally found it hard to put down. The rhythm of the book is odd - fast paced when we meet one of our protagonists, and then a slow burn when the second comes into play. It was impossible for me not to be sucked into the dynamic of "obsessor" and "object of obsession". And there were many "I... can't believe the author went there" moments in this book, which is something I love.
If violence, disturbing expressions of sexuality, and people generally doing horrible things are not your cup of tea, stay away. But if you loved Let The Right One In and are looking for more of "two creepy children feed each other's worst instincts" then you'll absolutely love this. 4.25 stars on tSG, rounded down for GR.
I don't want to spoil too much, so I'll say this: Little Star is the story of two girls. One of them is found as a newborn in the woods and is raised in... questionable conditions. The other grows up as the youngest sibling in a comfortable nuclear home. Both have an affinity for music and poetry. Both have curious perceptions of morality. Both know that they are little, and the big people of the world will gobble them up.
I read this in about three sittings and generally found it hard to put down. The rhythm of the book is odd - fast paced when we meet one of our protagonists, and then a slow burn when the second comes into play. It was impossible for me not to be sucked into the dynamic of "obsessor" and "object of obsession". And there were many "I... can't believe the author went there" moments in this book, which is something I love.
If violence, disturbing expressions of sexuality, and people generally doing horrible things are not your cup of tea, stay away. But if you loved Let The Right One In and are looking for more of "two creepy children feed each other's worst instincts" then you'll absolutely love this. 4.25 stars on tSG, rounded down for GR.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Gore, Violence, and Murder