Lauren
Regardless of when this was written I found the random use of the n-slur repulsing. I know people argue that it's representative of the beliefs at the time and that people insist it can has a valid place in literature, but I found it entirely unnecessary to advance the plot or character development and it made me google more about any racism present in HG Wells' other works. Spoiler Alert: there are many anti-Semitic, pro eugenics and horrifying racists statements and ideas expounded upon in other stories.
I went into this book completely unaware of what it was about. It's been sitting in my audible library forever and I decided it was time to give it a listen. Well, I get why people like this book, however, we've come a long way since 2013, and I just don't feel comfortable with a book written about a MC with Aspergers by an author without it. I'd much rather read something by an Own Voices author. I could critique the content more, but i found this book very off putting especially by the behavior of the neurotypical love interest who is also a psych phd candidate.
3,5 and rounding up
As far as sequels go, I found this very satisfying.
Once the action picks up about halfway through it's a great ride to the end.
If you're going to read this book...THIS IS HOW YOU SHOULD.
I'm not a huge fan of the romanticism/gothic style of writing, but having it read to me by a full cast was definitely a lot easier to swallow then sitting through it trying to read.
Found the characters incredibly stupid and annoying however, I did enjoy the concept Stoker used of revealing the plot via letters and journals. That was a brilliant idea on his part.
The audible cast did a good job, though I do wish Tim Curry had read for Seward rather than Van Helsing, simply because I would have LOVED to hear his voice more.
The woman who read for Mina was lovely. I really enjoyed her.
2.5 I would have enjoyed this a lot more if it wasn't for the rampant misogyny that the author felt was needed in order to illustrate what kind of person Sharon Nelson is. And yes, I recognize that much of the book features language used from people who were interviewed back in the 90s, which while awful to listen to I can understand was more acceptable back then, but as an author he didn't remain objective and continued to drive that narrative home.
What a missed opportunity to explore the reason Sharon became the person she is. There was a small portion of the book dedicated to abuse she experienced growing up, but no further inspection of the lasting effects of that trauma or the narcissistic, manipulative tactics she displayed time and time again. No, instead we get page after page of slut-shaming diatribes both by those interviewed and story narrative from the author.
Deeply disappointed at the writing because it certainly had the potential to be a fascinating true crime novel about the impacts that a strict religious upbringing, physical abuse, and emotional abandonment, had on Sharon to create the manipulative personality that impacted every person she ever came in contact with.
***Thank you to Bookouture Audio for providing me with the Audiobook for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.
I understand the literary merit and significance of this book and my rating in no way is meant to imply I don't think this wasn't a good book for a certain reader.
But my experience of listening to the stream on consciousness writing style as an audiobook was not enjoyable. I didn't care about anything I was listening to and probably should have DNF'd
It's worth checking out to see if you vibe with it. The concept is really intriguing, it just didn't work for me.
2.5 Honestly, I was expecting to like this book much more than I did. I love Agatha Christie, and especially the Miss Marple series, so the premise of the book really intrigued me. I have to say that I really did enjoy the Senator's character a lot and there are definitely people out there that would enjoy it because the mystery part of it was fine, but based on what didn't work for me, I really wasn't the right person for this one.
Now onto the stuff I didn't enjoy. Unfortunately, the MC just didn't do it for me. They were slotted into the classic bumbling sidekick role, yet the entire time we're constantly told that the MC is really smart and super into true crime, but the author doesn't show us any ingenuity on their part at all.
I really struggled with the tone/voice of the MC a lot because many of the character descriptions were fatphobic. For me, it feels like lazy writing to try and get the reader to dislike a person based on how nastily you describe their appearance. The way someone looks is morally neutral and doesn't determine what kind of person they are.
This next part really hurts me to say since I am leftist and agree with the ideas the characters bring up, but something about the way it was written made it seem like the AUTHOR was trying so hard to show how progressive THEY the writer are, so it came off just a bit heavy handed and inauthentic/white-knighting for my tastes. I got the vibe that the author really needed the reader to know that they are “a good liberal.”
And the romance aspect felt out of place and over the top. The objectification of the body guard was really out of left field.
Overall the whole thing was tedious and a bit smug.
***Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books for providing me with the Audiobook for free via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Enjoyed this one more than Gathering Blue, but compared to the Giver it's lacking in explanations about how the world works. Hoping more will be revealed and wrapped up in the final book.
This was a fun ride and I couldn't stop listening. It hit a lot of my favorite things about the mystery/thriller genre. A snarky MC, small town setting, lots of hidden family and friend secrets, A PODCAST tie in, lost memories, and an excellently woven mystery.
I would highly recommend the audiobook. It was dual narration and definitely brings the podcast element to life.
***Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing me with the Audiobook for free via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I'm really starting to get tired of the rampant racism and homophobia in these books.
OMG I loved this. I can't believe I waited so long to pick it up. I just adore a well done retelling. Now I'll just be over watching TROY and re-reading THE ILLIAD and THE ODYSSEY while I wait for my hold of CIRCE from the library.
Just want to make it clear that this audiobook was borrowed from the library because I have no interest in giving my money to this franchise any longer.
This is a hard no from me.
I really liked Jane and the writing was fine, and anything that didn't involved the romance was easily a *** read, but Rochester is a toxic, manipulative, gaslighting prick.
I don't care that he sorta, kinda stops being a complete dick after he loses everything. He's a raging jealous creep even then.
The way psychosis is described in this book is disgusting and offensive. A complete dehumanizing of the person. For instance using the following to describe someone “beastly”, “savage”, “snarling”, “standing up on their hind legs”. WTF.
I really, really don't get why everyone stans this book so hard. From gross classism to unbridled misogyny to straight up abuse. Yuck. No.