Before ordering this novel, I had read O'Neill's previous book, "Asking for It." A difficult subject, but very well handled; this led me to hoping that her latest offering would be just as good. About half way through this one, I had to admit defeat and not finish it.
There are a few reasons why I struggled so much with this book. Firstly, the writing; the novel is meant to be an examination of obsession, but I felt that there was really no explanation as to why she fell for Matthew in the way that she did. He was a horrible character, full of clichés and very predictable. Having said that, so was Sarah. She comes across as very immature, very needy, selfish, horrible. Now, although I am aware that characters are not always perfect - I wouldn't want them to be - I do have to feel some kind of connection to them, to make me care about their story and what happens. With this novel, I just didn't care. The, to me, is not the deep exploration of an obsessive love, rather it is a surface-scraping retelling of someone who never seems happy with what she has.
I cannot recommend this book, sorry.
I wonder is Sarah autobiographical?
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A woman drove me to drink!-and I forgot to thank her!
Last edited by an liathroid beag; 09-02-2018 at 06:17 PM..
Before ordering this novel, I had read O'Neill's previous book, "Asking for It." A difficult subject, but very well handled; this led me to hoping that her latest offering would be just as good. About half way through this one, I had to admit defeat and not finish it.
There are a few reasons why I struggled so much with this book. Firstly, the writing; the novel is meant to be an examination of obsession, but I felt that there was really no explanation as to why she fell for Matthew in the way that she did. He was a horrible character, full of clichés and very predictable. Having said that, so was Sarah. She comes across as very immature, very needy, selfish, horrible. Now, although I am aware that characters are not always perfect - I wouldn't want them to be - I do have to feel some kind of connection to them, to make me care about their story and what happens. With this novel, I just didn't care. The, to me, is not the deep exploration of an obsessive love, rather it is a surface-scraping retelling of someone who never seems happy with what she has.
I cannot recommend this book, sorry.
Before ordering this novel, I had read O'Neill's previous book, "Asking for It." A difficult subject, but very well handled; this led me to hoping that her latest offering would be just as good. About half way through this one, I had to admit defeat and not finish it.
There are a few reasons why I struggled so much with this book. Firstly, the writing; the novel is meant to be an examination of obsession, but I felt that there was really no explanation as to why she fell for Matthew in the way that she did. He was a horrible character, full of clichés and very predictable. Having said that, so was Sarah. She comes across as very immature, very needy, selfish, horrible. Now, although I am aware that characters are not always perfect - I wouldn't want them to be - I do have to feel some kind of connection to them, to make me care about their story and what happens. With this novel, I just didn't care. The, to me, is not the deep exploration of an obsessive love, rather it is a surface-scraping retelling of someone who never seems happy with what she has.
I cannot recommend this book, sorry.
I wonder is Sarah autobiographical?
__________________
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Originally Posted by Matlock
If you are interested in the therapy route feel free to PM me where you are based and I can send on some recommendations.
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