David Sines
This wasn't my typical reading choice. But I did enjoy it. From the beginning, the narrative is so convincing that I had to seriously consider if this was based on a real event. The present-day story is surprisingly short. The bulk of the book relates to Helena's childhood, so you're reading both storylines as well as how it has a similarity to the fairytale of The Marsh King's Daughter.
This is definitely not for the faint of heart. The worst gore in the book relates to hunting (I wouldn't call it graphic, but it is disturbing), and Helena's mother giving birth. Kidnapping, rape, torture, and murder are at the core of this book. However, Karen Dionne does not go into detail about these events other than letting the reader know that they happened.
I've always been curious about this book. Now I know why I know so little about it. It's complicated to explain! I think this book would have to be studied, as well as the author, to understand its deeper meanings.
After trying to read it, I realized that it was going to take way too long. The style and period are so unique that I felt like I had to concentrate on every line. So I switched to the audiobook.
There is no clear-cut way to give an opinion. I liked and felt sorry for the painter. I hated Lord Henry through and through and never understood why people liked him so much, while at the same time knowing too well that there are people today just like him. I liked, then hated, then pitied Dorian.
I don't know why, but I couldn't stop listening to it. Though I don't know why I liked it, I feel compelled to listen to it again.
One man is killed very brutally by repeated stabbing. But it was written very matter-of-fact, like the rest of the book. So though, you know it's gross, it somehow feels distant.
I wasn't overly impressed by the story. It felt dry to me and I was looking forward to finishing it. Not bad, just lacking. If I read it before, I don't remember. I'm still glad to have read it.
The chapter where it switches to the Doctor was weird. I still don't understand why that was done.
The ending was odd too. Are we to believe that Jim has the parrot? Or is it part of his nightmares? The world may never know.
Contains spoilers
It took me a while to connect with the lead character. The story kept me intrigued. Once she kidnapped Daniel, it was hard to put it down. Some of it I could see coming, but it was still an enjoyable read.
By this book I was getting tired of the series and could have easily stopped reading at any point. My favorite part was the ending—not because it was over. The ending was surprising and very well written.
As a kid I liked it. As an adult, not as much. It's very different from the movie. Just as much swearing, though.
I really enjoyed this book! There is one chapter toward the end that switches to third-person that really threw me off. I can't understand why this was done. Or rather, I do and I don't.
Warning: there is a long scene with a perverted naked man. Nothing is really gained by it. You'd be fine skipping over it.
I love the idea of this series. The characters are very fun, the stories adventurous. The writing style is very hard to get through. Thus, I've only finished this one and Redwall. But this book is my favorite of the two. I think the story felt more realistic to me. It was a fun read.
A fun story. Hard to read, between writing style and old terminologies. On the other hand, it also made it interesting for the same reason. The story itself was okay.
Simply excellent writing and a very unique imaginative story. No complaints–which is extremely rare for me.