A review by lostinthelibrary
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell

dark informative reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Wow! Hamnet was a tough act to follow but Maggie O'Farrel has done it again! I love the idea of taking a pre-gothic tale and giving it a gothic style. I was hooked throughout by the tense atmosphere and the beautiful prose. It put me in a constant pull between wanting to speed through to the end and wanting to take it slowly to reflect on the themes and savour the writing. I am rarely a re-reader but I feel this book may warrant it.  Time to read more of her back catalogue as this has cemented Maggie O'Farrel as one of my favourite authors.  
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