Questions About The Witch Elm

by Tana French (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Witch Elm, please sign up.

Answered Questions (52)

I have been seeing such negative ratings for Tana French's newest standalone The Witch Elm...I am really surprised. Waiting patiently for the release date so I can read this for myself, I feel it will be a great fall read, I hope I am not going to be disappointed?

Kiki You'll be disappointed, if my experience holds true for you.

I waited so anxiously for this book and started devouring it, but had to set it aside from…moreYou'll be disappointed, if my experience holds true for you.

I waited so anxiously for this book and started devouring it, but had to set it aside from time to time because the repetition was so mind-numbing. The main character is shallow and unlikeable. The first 4 chapters went on forever. Then, about a quarter of the way past the turning point, I knew who did it. The final "event" -- after the reveal -- came across as impossible, not necessarily because of Toby's character, but because of the character of the other person.

I don't want to nitpick some other things because I'm trying to avoid spoilers, but there are other unlikely points. But overall, the book is way too long (don't just go by pages; the type is very small).

So what if it's beautifully written if it's beautifully written bullshit? With sadness, I gave it two stars.

(less)

flag

I'd like to know how Goodreads allows someone to rate a book that won't be available for months! And the rating is 2 stars! How does that happen? Tana French is a terrific author; her previous books rate highly; every author can have a dud, but shouldn't the goodreads reviewer actually READ the book before giving it 2 stars?! I think Good reads should remove that rating.

Jim Are you annoyed the rating came from an ARC or galley, or are you annoyed the rating is low for an author you like? The former is a legit complaint, t…moreAre you annoyed the rating came from an ARC or galley, or are you annoyed the rating is low for an author you like? The former is a legit complaint, the latter is just your opinion. I hate ratings of any sort from an ARC or galley, but I also hate when people argue someone's opinion of a book just because it doesn't jive with their opinion. We all have our favorite authors, but even a great author can write a piece of shit book, and giving high ratings for shit books just because you want to be seen as a loyal fan of said author is unfair to other Goodreads members. If you want to kiss up to an author, do it on their website, not a public book forum.(less)

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)