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A review by nikkiknovy
A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The premise was good. I can see myself liking the story had it been told/written differently.
I have heard a lot of people talk about unlikeable characters/ bad people and how this knocks their rating of books down. That is not the case for me. These types of persons in novels overall do not bother me. I believe that the majority of unlikeable characters illuminate a kernel of truth about the human experience. They share dark thoughts and behave in ways that we deem unacceptable at a societal level. The truth is that most humans have these horrible thoughts. Most people have thought or done things they are not proud of, that they hope no one finds out, that would send them running for the hills if mind readers were real. Additionally, what stories would we read if people were perfect?!
That being said...the actions of the unlikable characters in this novel did not seem believable, not the large actions like the murder that the story is centered around, but small actions, the actions the are supposed to help tell the story and develop the characters. I did not connect or care about the characters (except for Irene - loved her kindness and candid communication throughout). I think this was largely to do with the unbelievability of their actions. Ultimately, I think this and a lack of suspense throughout is why this story failed to grab me. I was bored. I forced myself to not DNF because it was a book club pick.
I'm hugely disappointed as this is my first Paula Hawkins novel. I still have plans to read her other novels.
I have heard a lot of people talk about unlikeable characters/ bad people and how this knocks their rating of books down. That is not the case for me. These types of persons in novels overall do not bother me. I believe that the majority of unlikeable characters illuminate a kernel of truth about the human experience. They share dark thoughts and behave in ways that we deem unacceptable at a societal level. The truth is that most humans have these horrible thoughts. Most people have thought or done things they are not proud of, that they hope no one finds out, that would send them running for the hills if mind readers were real. Additionally, what stories would we read if people were perfect?!
That being said...the actions of the unlikable characters in this novel did not seem believable, not the large actions like the murder that the story is centered around, but small actions, the actions the are supposed to help tell the story and develop the characters. I did not connect or care about the characters (except for Irene - loved her kindness and candid communication throughout). I think this was largely to do with the unbelievability of their actions. Ultimately, I think this and a lack of suspense throughout is why this story failed to grab me. I was bored. I forced myself to not DNF because it was a book club pick.
I'm hugely disappointed as this is my first Paula Hawkins novel. I still have plans to read her other novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Animal cruelty, and Animal death