The Characters We Love to HATE

[Brantford]

This novel is filled with very unlikable characters doing unlikable things. Were you able to find anything redeeming in any of them? Some reviewers stated that the lack of likable character made them lose interest in the book but aren't flawed characters more interesting anyway?

When asked about the nature of the characters in an interview, the author reminds us that all of these characters are in situations of extreme stress where they feel threatened and are obviously not at their best. Can you imagine any of these characters behaving normally in a calmer, saner situation?

Did the cast of unlikable characters in this story take away from your opinion of the book or did you eventually give in to it and learn to "love to hate" the characters?

[Karen]

I didn't lose interest at all. I felt circumstances in Rachel's life lead to some bad choices, she's weak and doesn't stand up for herself. However, she does redeem herself. She is the one who tries to make Anna see Tom for who he really is and tells her to get out while she can; with her and her babies' life intact. She also makes the decision to stop drinking and being vulnerable after the attack with Scott.
I was shocked to see Scott's character turn violent; didn't see that coming. Yes, his life is out of control but he chooses to lash out at people instead of seeking help. He'd be in jail if either woman had pressed charges.
And Tom , well he's just pure evil and you do love to hate him.

[Anna]

I understand why many people need to have at least one decent character in book that they can get behind and root for but I don't mind a cast of unlikables. I think they provide a lot of entertainment, especially in a book like this.

Rachel is the queen of bad choices which is exasperated by the alcoholism but I don't really see her as unlikable. No doubt, she is a mess at this particular point in her life but I think she is probably the nicest person in the book. Didn't everyone find they were rooting for her to stay off the booze?

Anyway, to answer the question, I love a nasty character (or in this case 2 or 3 or 4 nasty characters)

[Colleen]

I can't say that I really liked any of the characters, however I have to admit that this is almost preferable to those books where there's the perfect, cute, makes mistakes but it all works out perfectly blonde "woman".
As I assume the author intended, Rachel wins in the almost likable department for me. I really didn't like her, but it was definitely due to her drinking and crazy fantasies. During the parts in the book where she was sober and trying so hard to figure her things out I totally broke out my pom poms and cheered her on. Of course followed by the complete let down once she grabs her bottle of wine.

[Karen]

Rachel's room mate did try to assist her and was quite forgiving. Rachel was lucky to have her in her life at that point.