Kiki answers “I have been seeing such negative ratings...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about The Witch Elm:

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.

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Chad Hansen-Saunders I just did not enjoy the book. It’s well written and does have some good areas. As a whole I found it very slow and predictable. The plot when you des ...more
Sep 01, 2020 08:00PM · flag

Olaf Schrank This review reflects everything I feel after having just finished it. One of the most depressing books I've read in a long time. She is a brilliant wr ...more
May 20, 2022 02:13AM · flag

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