Publisher: William Morrow, HarperCollins
Rating: 3.5*
Memory is a funny thing. You never know if what you remember actually happened or is your mind just telling you it happened. I’ve read somewhere, that whenever you recall a past event, you’re actually remembering the last time you recalled the event and not the event itself. I don’t know how far this is true, what I do know is that my own memory can be a dirty liar.This book is centered around the alleged possession of Marjorie and is told from the point of view of her younger sister Merry. Or rather multiple viewpoints of Merry's ; eight year old Merry, twenty three year old Merry, alternative personality Merry. My favorite aspect of the book was the relationship the sisters shared before it all went to hell, perhaps even while it was going to hell. I loved 8 year old Merry, I found her simply adorable, and perhaps this is because I have a younger sister I tended to relate to their relationship more.
The thing is, I don’t know that I would classify this as horror exactly. It was suspenseful. It was mysterious. It didn’t scare me. It had its moments of subtle creepiness but it wasn’t nearly enough for me.That final twist was interesting but predictable. I didn’t catch the twist within the twist, but I am not a morning person and I can’t be expected to notice anything the author doesn’t come out and tell me straight at 6 in the morning which is when I finished this book. Was anyone in fact possessed? Personally I don’t think so, but what do I know.
Not a bad book but not what I expected at all. I enjoyed the writing and cared about the characters. However if you’re expecting gruesomeness and have a high tolerance for the creepy, then this book will fall short of your expectations. If you want suspense without the gory, bloody, creepy horror, you might like it more.
Bookstore Links: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&N
Reviewed for MCT by Celeste M.
I'm waiting for a review of how when the story gets interesting. I couldn't get page 25 because the way the story is told has emotional anything and is so boring I could have caredless specially about Marjorie's stupid details that drag and bog down the whole beginning with her childhood crap with stuff in her a room and a book her sister borrowed. Even TV stuff didn't make sense or add any additional meaning to the beginning.
ReplyDeleteAny one looking for a passion story should read something that the author gets you hooked from the get go rather than have wait anywhere from past page 25 to 100. So far nobody's telling in their reviews where in the book the passion starts.
There are some stories that have a slow build-up that pays off later, but I agree you have to become emotionally involved with the characters - either love them or hate them - very soon. Some Ian Rankin books are good examples of a slow, controlled build-up that suddenly tip over into great excitement when all the events building up add up.
Delete