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frances_frances's reviews
261 reviews
The Guest by Emma Cline
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was stressful and often irritating but I was also completely invested. The look at power dynamics and agency was interesting and was left appropriately unsettled and ambiguous. Alex is toxic and I wouldn't want anything to do with her in real life. But she's also a rather tragic character who clearly never experienced genuine love, romantically or platonically. She never really had a chance. In this way, she felt realistically infuriating and sympathetic. Also Emma Cline's prose is just really good.
Of Cattle and Men by Ana Paula Maia
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A story that can expand with each reading. As one review on the back cover says, Ana Paula Maia "narrates reality with enthralling cruelty".
Mary: An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This wasn't the tone or story I was expecting. Some good gore but overall not as creepy/scary as I was hoping.
All-Night Pharmacy by Ruth Madievsky
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The prose was so sharp and the unnamed narrator was complex and believable. And the way intergenerational trauma was dealt with was interesting. The pacing was a bit uneven for me. The first half really flowed and the second half wasn't as tight. As an aside, I don't think I'm super into coming of age story lines.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Drug abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Self harm, Sexual violence, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Injury/Injury detail, and Child abuse
Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
I have some issues with the editing and organization of this book, but Morimoto is engaging and it was pretty interesting to hear about the Rental Person experience and philosophy. Charming, easy little read.
Death in Her Hands by Ottessa Moshfegh
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Feeling generous so it's 5 stars rather than 4. Ottessa Moshfegh is so talented at creating deep, believably complex characters. Meandering slice of life novels often don't work for me but so far I love her work.
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
a reliably Peter Swanson little thriller
Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Gave me exactly what I was expecting and wanting - a readable, straightforward, fast paced thriller. The writing is simple but decent and the pacing kept me engaged. Constant action, almost no frills. Overall, this book is nothing special but it really hit the spot.
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
It was kinda flat, like there wasn't much suspense or buildup. The horror aspects were also underdeveloped. Worse though was the prose. It was pretty insufferable. A lot of effort with little payoff/impact. Felt a bit juvenile.