C. (Comment, never msg).’s Reviews > The Secret Portrait > Status Update

It has taken a long time to reach the crux and action parts, I have figured out, due to narrative style. This writer is excellent and story, supremely unique and interesting. I would like to say well-plotted, well-done but description can't be so heavy and pensive in every sentence, or the pace doesn't budge. I'm perfectly keen to see how she made out with her next novel.

Slowly puttering through it.

Excitement and mysteriousness are still too understated for reading not to be dry, during long intervals. Lillian's writing is exceptionally good. She narrates and gives Jean's inner thoughts with an abundance of character. I love gleaning her education and wry throwbacks to pop culture. Descriptions of minutia are too long and action sparse however. I'm too bored to be moved by the time it occurs.

I'm getting more into it and expect to read only this novel until it's concluded.

Interest is rising in this one. I have no hestitation to get back to it and give it a good go. I enjoyed a lot about it and think we'll break through the aspect about it, odd to pointpoint, that made it slow so far. The next in the series looks wonderful and I don't hesitate to buy it.

I'm confused about whether or not I'm into this author. There's something dry and distant about the writing and our spotlight on the protagonist. The pages aren't gripping yet, even though the startling event has occured. But simultaneously, I can see Lillian's writing is very good and even promises paranormal elements. I'm interested enough to see if I'm drawn in better.