sam ☆

this was a hazy, slow burn that reads more like a literary character study than a psychological thriller. the summer setting was gorgeously vivid, and the house felt like a living, breathing character. i liked how fully realized the characters were even when i couldn't stand them. the atmosphere was the real star. i adore vibes. i love vibes. i'll eat vibes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. the house was sexy. the food was sexy. the summer heat was sexy. the plot ૮₍•᷄ ༝ •᷅₎ა not so much.

frances is one of the most painfully uncomfortable protagonists i've ever read and i mean that as a compliment (readwise says i highlighted 222 times and i promise 75% minimum were insane frances moments). she's weird, repressed, and deeply lonely. i loved her. hated her. wanted her to stfu. cara was captivating when she wasn't monologuing. peter existed.

if you go in expecting an unhinged summer fever dream about emotionally stunted people unraveling in a crumbling mansion, you'll have a great time. just don't come for the suspense, mystery or a thriller.

cw/tw: abandonment, body shaming, cheating, child death, death of a parent, divorce, fatphobia, suicidal ideation, drowning, gaslighting, grief, toxic friendship, toxic relationship, suicide attempt, murder

a character study that made me feel gross, intrigued, and weirdly sad. not sure i liked it, but i felt it. if you love longwinded inner monologues from unhinged women and think “maybe she should be institutionalized” with fondness thanthis is for you. the ending was beyond disappointing. 

✰ “In a world that seeks to break us, the power to endure is the greatest rebellion of all.”
discussions on brotherhood, mental health, self worth and masculinity set in a [probably] near dystopian society <3

✰ "I am nothing in my soul if not obsessive."

Book I: ★★★★★
Book II: ★★★

I fucking loved this book.

Donna Tartt wrote something beautiful, obsessive, uncomfortable, and devastating. The first half (Book I) was perfect. Book II lost a bit of momentum, but still I felt like every page had the same suffocating vibes filled with dread and longing.

It was unhinged and it was beautiful.

Also, Richard was absolutely in love with Charles and no one can convince me otherwise.

genuinely creepy, emotionally grounded, and full of perfect autumn vibes. every book in this four book series takes place in a different season which i find super charming and fun. the setting was so rich. this author knows how to create a vibe. queen of vibe curation if you will. i could smell the leaves and feel the fog. the themes of grief, bravery, and friendship were beautifully done. can't wait to continue on with the series.