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The good: the descriptions and feelings of a teenage girl were very true to life, with a point to make about it. I also liked the fact that the ending seemed very realistic rather than a fairy tale ending or vice versa a melodramatic ending.
The bad: I could sense the writer behind it, everything was just a little too much. Also I wanted more of the aftermath and the psychology involved rather than the buildup and the girl crush. I wanted to know Susannah (was that her name?) better.
The bad: I could sense the writer behind it, everything was just a little too much. Also I wanted more of the aftermath and the psychology involved rather than the buildup and the girl crush. I wanted to know Susannah (was that her name?) better.
So this one is actually not as engaging as I've hoped for. I long for more action, craziness, inside stories of the cult (inspired by Manson Family). But apparently, this book is more about contemplation, family drama and the ever observant heroine, Eve Boyd, both in her teenage girl when she was pulled into the cult, and in her olden days, where loneliness and stagnancy become the major part of her life. Oh and the translation version didn't really work for me- it's full of metaphors that didn'
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In my younger and more foolish days, I would have bailed-out of this book by page 75. It feels like we spend a long time getting to know Evie before the plot gets any thrust...but of course, once it does, we care about her that. much. more.
The last 100 pages repay the goodwill of the first 100 ten fold.
The last 100 pages repay the goodwill of the first 100 ten fold.
Debut novels are often more lauded for their flashes of style than deep psychological insight, and what makes this one notable is the combination of the two. The story flips back and forth between the mid-1990s and 1969, as middle-aged narrator Edie finds herself spending a week alone in a friend's house on the California coast. When the friend's teenage son shows up with his girlfriend, it triggers the woman's memories of when she was 14 and spent a summer drifting into the orbit of a group clo
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An uncomfortably accurate novel about adolescent female invisibility, insecurity, and need; a beautifully rendered depiction of how a combination of psychological factors can prime an individual or group for widespread abuse. In this case, abuse and manipulation within a cult. The author successfully describes the ways in which we tell ourselves whatever most fits the narrative we need to be true, explaining away even the most upsetting facts in a given situation. As is the case with most victim
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Come to find out, I read differently as a new mom. Teenager struggles, dysfunctional families, unhealthy decisions...they all weigh so much more heavily and stress me out. And violence toward children is completely unreadable. This story was compelling and engaging, especially the time period and structure of looking back at the events. At the same time, it was incredibly painful and disturbing to read.
An interesting story that evokes the aimlessness of parts of the 1960s. What I really liked about this book though is that it explores the loneliness and fear that comes with growth and self discovery. It also explores the role of women in the world and how they value themselves. How often women are encouraged to be pleasing for men.
May 22, 2016
Annika
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Jun 15, 2016
Isabel
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Jun 30, 2016
Christina
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Nov 02, 2016
Katy
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Mar 29, 2017
Jackie Wayment
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Feb 01, 2019
Tiffany
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Nov 20, 2019
Amanda
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Jan 21, 2021
Rachel Shields Ebersole
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Feb 23, 2022
Darci
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May 19, 2023
Paula
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