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A review by rgoth
Missing You by Harlan Coben
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I found it quite challenging to assign a rating to this book because I am still grappling with my overall feelings about it. There are several aspects of the story that I genuinely enjoyed, particularly the clever twists and the gradual build-up to the climactic moments at the end, which left me on the edge of my seat.
One character who really stood out to me was Kat. I found myself rooting for her throughout the story, as she navigated various challenges and complexities in her life. I was invested in her journey and truly wanted her to achieve the resolutions and happiness she rightfully deserved by the conclusion of the narrative.
Some revelations about Kat's father took me by surprise and added an unexpected layer of depth to the story. These twists regarding his character were not only shocking but also prompted me to reevaluate the dynamics of Kat's family relationships, which were intricately woven into the plot.
However, there were moments when the narrative felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of subplots and character arcs. This abundance sometimes detracted from the overall believability of the story, as I found it challenging to keep track of everything happening. For instance, one particularly humorous moment was when Kat logged into a dating app, only to be greeted by the sight of her ex-partner among the first profiles she encountered. Really?!
I also wasn't keen on the repeated use of the term "transvestite." While I don’t consider it homophobic in itself, I find that the term is outdated and somewhat insensitive by contemporary standards. Every time it appeared in the text, I felt a sense of cringe, as it detracted from my overall enjoyment of the narrative. On the other hand, Aqua emerged as a truly remarkable character—her presence was not only integral to the storyline but also added a rich complexity that I greatly appreciated.
One character who really stood out to me was Kat. I found myself rooting for her throughout the story, as she navigated various challenges and complexities in her life. I was invested in her journey and truly wanted her to achieve the resolutions and happiness she rightfully deserved by the conclusion of the narrative.
Some revelations about Kat's father took me by surprise and added an unexpected layer of depth to the story. These twists regarding his character were not only shocking but also prompted me to reevaluate the dynamics of Kat's family relationships, which were intricately woven into the plot.
However, there were moments when the narrative felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of subplots and character arcs. This abundance sometimes detracted from the overall believability of the story, as I found it challenging to keep track of everything happening. For instance, one particularly humorous moment was when Kat logged into a dating app, only to be greeted by the sight of her ex-partner among the first profiles she encountered. Really?!
I also wasn't keen on the repeated use of the term "transvestite." While I don’t consider it homophobic in itself, I find that the term is outdated and somewhat insensitive by contemporary standards. Every time it appeared in the text, I felt a sense of cringe, as it detracted from my overall enjoyment of the narrative. On the other hand, Aqua emerged as a truly remarkable character—her presence was not only integral to the storyline but also added a rich complexity that I greatly appreciated.