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A review by charmandareads
Gretchen by Shannon Kirk
4.0
I could not put this down; I constantly had to know what came next! I really enjoyed the first 3/4ths of this book, but I did have some problems with it.
I felt that this could have been split into two very successful stories. The story and backstory of Lucy and her Mom were my favorite parts of this novel. I felt they were more realistic, more suspenseful, and honestly, more terrifying than the parts of the story associated with the novel's namesake. I would read an entire novel dedicated to the point of view of Lucy's Mom during their 13 year run.
I found Gretchen quite excessive and unrealistic. I found Lucy's interactions and desire to stay when there were quite a few FLAMING red flag a little ridiculous as well. There was 0 explanation for Gretchen's bizarre appearance, or her mannerisms. There are some bits and pieces, but if more time was dedicated to her backstory, I might not have dislike her character as much as I did. I did not understand her father, or the pair's ultimate goals. I found the ending of this book confusing and almost painful. I just feel that there was too much left unsaid for the "Gretchen" side of the story for it to be successful.
I went back and forth on 3 and 4 stars, so I settled on 3 and a half - 4 for Goodreads. Because I did enjoy so much of this book, even if it was quite bizarre, but I would not say it was bad. It kept my attention, had me turning pages as fast as I could read them, and was a fun and wild ride. I just wish more of it made sense.
I felt that this could have been split into two very successful stories. The story and backstory of Lucy and her Mom were my favorite parts of this novel. I felt they were more realistic, more suspenseful, and honestly, more terrifying than the parts of the story associated with the novel's namesake. I would read an entire novel dedicated to the point of view of Lucy's Mom during their 13 year run.
I found Gretchen quite excessive and unrealistic. I found Lucy's interactions and desire to stay when there were quite a few FLAMING red flag a little ridiculous as well. There was 0 explanation for Gretchen's bizarre appearance, or her mannerisms. There are some bits and pieces, but if more time was dedicated to her backstory, I might not have dislike her character as much as I did. I did not understand her father, or the pair's ultimate goals. I found the ending of this book confusing and almost painful. I just feel that there was too much left unsaid for the "Gretchen" side of the story for it to be successful.
I went back and forth on 3 and 4 stars, so I settled on 3 and a half - 4 for Goodreads. Because I did enjoy so much of this book, even if it was quite bizarre, but I would not say it was bad. It kept my attention, had me turning pages as fast as I could read them, and was a fun and wild ride. I just wish more of it made sense.