Savannah’s Reviews > Paper Ghosts > Status Update

I feel bad for the main character because she is losing her sanity progressively. I still don't have a clear understanding of Carl's character; however, I don't necessarily get bad energy from him. I think both characters are sad and lonely, which sucks for them.

I think Carl's character is slowly evolving, while the main character is devolving. The main character seems to be becoming more mentally unstable as Carl gets more into her head. He seems to give information in his own deluded way when his dementia gets ahold of his mentality. I also wonder if the main character actually has seen Carl before?

I think it is interesting that Carl had official details from Vicky's murder incorrect-- or was it his account of the murder? I wonder if he actually stabbed her, or if he is delusional. His character is very unreliable because of his dementia, but his commentary and actions are interesting and seemingly truthful.

I wonder if Carl is actually seeing ghosts, or if it's a sign of his dementia. AT the beginning of Day Three, it has a note from Carl from one of his previous photos taken. The description makes it sound like a women, but later in the chapter is it revealed that it is a house. I found that detail interesting, and I wonder if it has some kind of symbolism.

I wonder what the purpose of mentioning the Waco siege, and why Carl wanted to come there. He wa strongly against the actions of the FBI and the explosion that occurred that killed the children and babies. I find an allusive aura around Carl that is somewhat half-dead. He talks about seeing ghosts, and a woman in the rain that the main character cannot see, which is interesting.

I don't know how to feel about Carl because his energy is unsettling; however, there isn't much evidence that suggests he was the killer. I find the images interesting, and how the titles he chose relates to the deaths themselves. I see a sense of empathy in him because he saved a dying dog; however, it seemed like death was a familiar feeling to him.

The main character goes into detail about her experiences testing her bravery. She says that she hired someone to kidnap her, follow her, and train her, which makes me feel like she has some kind of obsessive disorder. Anyone who kidnaps someone and has obsessed over a situation for years is probably mentally ill.

The main character finally mentions the twins that the cover of the book contains, along with the page dividers. She found their picture in her old home's attic as a child, and felt like she was valid in her strangeness. She also says that they lead her to Carl, and I'm unsure if she means literally or mentally.

The author has effectively hooked me into the story mainly because I find the plot interesting. I've noticed the author compares the characters a lot to animals, which is prompted by the Nat Geo channel in the home. She compares the killer and the main character, or the revengist, to a tarantula and lion respectively. I think it is an interesting choice because it strips away humanity to both characters in a way.