Sharp Objects

Another deftly paced novel from Flynn. I worked my way backward in her oeuvre after tearing through Gone Girl, and it was interesting to see how her style has evolved. I loved the dysfunctional small-town setting and even the minor characters were memorable. I can't say it's quite as successful as Gone Girl, but how could it be? Nonetheless, well worth the read for her acid-sharp characterizations and prose.

I read Flynn's other works in no particular order and learned (by reading the acknowledgments at the end of the book)that this is her first novel. It's a great first novel, but you can definitely see her writing become progressively tighter with each book. I can't say much about this read without providing spoilers, however, if you like her work, this one will not disappoint.

I'll let part of [a:Stephen King 3389 Stephen King http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1261866457p2/3389.jpg]'s blurb on the back cover speak for me:Sharp Objects isn't one of those scare-and-retreat books; its effect is cumulative. I found myself dreading the last thirty pages or so but was helpless to stop turning them. Then, after the lights were out, the story just stayed there in my head, coiled and hissing, like a snake in a cave. An admirably nasty piece of work, elevated by sharp writing and sharper insights.

5 stars September 20085 stars September 2018 - Rereading this 10 years after I first read it...it was intense. I don't think I realized just how creepy and unhealthy everything surrounding Wind Gap and its inhabitants was when I first read this. The children (CHILDREN!!!) have sex, drink and do drugs, and all I can think is WHERE ARE THE PARENTS?I'm not even going to talk about Camille's mother. My god. Gillian Flynn is definitely in my top favourite authors. Trigger warning for self-harm, alcohol and drug use if that's something you could be sensitive to.