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A review by kayhush
The Bittlemores by Jann Arden
dark
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An excellent debut novel from the one and only Jann Arden! The storytelling is excellent, and does not feel like a debut whatsoever.
There are many difficult themes in this book (recommended that readers check content warnings). They are told with a level of dry humor that they don't feel as impactful as they would normally. The topics aren't being made light of, and the reader is still left feeling uncomfortable.
It took me quite some time to get into this book, kept picking it up and putting it down. The true mystery plot doesn't kick in until 30% (ish), and it felt like a bit of a slog to get there. I would recommend this book to those who prefer a slower read and to be fully immersed in the setting and characters of the story they are reading. If you are looking for a mystery that will grab you from page one and not let go - this isn't it. But if you are looking for a slow-build mystery with dry wit and honest portrayals of a difficult farm life - this is it.
I am rating this 4 stars for the quality of the storytelling and an excellent debut novel. My personal reading experience was closer to a 3. This is not a reflection of the book and writing but is a reflection of my personal reading preferences.
I am grateful to have received an advance reader copy for free from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are many difficult themes in this book (recommended that readers check content warnings). They are told with a level of dry humor that they don't feel as impactful as they would normally. The topics aren't being made light of, and the reader is still left feeling uncomfortable.
It took me quite some time to get into this book, kept picking it up and putting it down. The true mystery plot doesn't kick in until 30% (ish), and it felt like a bit of a slog to get there. I would recommend this book to those who prefer a slower read and to be fully immersed in the setting and characters of the story they are reading. If you are looking for a mystery that will grab you from page one and not let go - this isn't it. But if you are looking for a slow-build mystery with dry wit and honest portrayals of a difficult farm life - this is it.
I am rating this 4 stars for the quality of the storytelling and an excellent debut novel. My personal reading experience was closer to a 3. This is not a reflection of the book and writing but is a reflection of my personal reading preferences.
I am grateful to have received an advance reader copy for free from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.