Shutter
Ratings22
Average rating3.8
First things first: the whole concept of "ghosts" is embarrassingly silly.
That said... I enjoyed the hell out of this book. The ghost gimmick is key to the story, but the focus (har!) is always on the protagonist. Her dealing with the ghosts, personally and culturally, involves complex moral questions and I loved how Emerson developed (har!) these issues, how her character struggled and grew. I loved the supporting characters, loved Emerson's pacing and well-sustained level of tension: it was hard to put the book down.
Jumbo levels of improbability, and not just the ghost thing: dialog; some of the personal interactions; high body count; and oodles of perfect-timing serendipity. Still totally worth reading. Grab a Suspension of Disbelief pill or two—or even a handful—and prepare for some thoughtful fun.
First things first: the whole concept of "ghosts" is embarrassingly silly.
That said... I enjoyed the hell out of this book. The ghost gimmick is key to the story, but the focus (har!) is always on the protagonist. Her dealing with the ghosts, personally and culturally, involves complex moral questions and I loved how Emerson developed (har!) these issues, how her character struggled and grew. I loved the supporting characters, loved Emerson's pacing and well-sustained level of tension: it was hard to put the book down.
Jumbo levels of improbability, and not just the ghost thing: dialog; some of the personal interactions; high body count; and oodles of perfect-timing serendipity. Still totally worth reading. Grab a Suspension of Disbelief pill or two—or even a handful—and prepare for some thoughtful fun.
I enjoyed this book, but I expected it to be scarier. There was disturbing imagery and suspense for what would happen next.
I enjoyed this book, but I expected it to be scarier. There was disturbing imagery and suspense for what would happen next.
This title intrigued me as I spent some meaningful time a few years ago in NM and the Navajo Nation - the settings for this novel. The first chapter is gory & disturbing. Skip to the end of it as it isn't vital to the plot. I liked the first person narrator and her ability to see the spirits who occupy the places she travels. I could have done less with her back story as her history occupied at least half of the book - alternating past and present by chapter. This shifting slowed dowe the plot - which already felt thin to begin with. The plot's "mystery" was cliched and held little suspense. I do like the main character and may consider reading future entries in a series as future titles will likely focus on her present as I presume (hope) her back story has been throughly told in "Shutter."
This title intrigued me as I spent some meaningful time a few years ago in NM and the Navajo Nation - the settings for this novel. The first chapter is gory & disturbing. Skip to the end of it as it isn't vital to the plot. I liked the first person narrator and her ability to see the spirits who occupy the places she travels. I could have done less with her back story as her history occupied at least half of the book - alternating past and present by chapter. This shifting slowed dowe the plot - which already felt thin to begin with. The plot's "mystery" was cliched and held little suspense. I do like the main character and may consider reading future entries in a series as future titles will likely focus on her present as I presume (hope) her back story has been throughly told in "Shutter."
