I have to explain my rating, I feel. When I give this book five stars, it's contextual. I don't mean that it's as good as Kantor's Andersonville or Dehnel's Lala. I mean, for what it is, a first novel self-published during National Novel Writing Month, it is exactly what I needed right now. I read it for inspiration while attempting my own first novel during NaNoWriMo 2022. I'd be delighted if my first novel were as good as this one. The plot is logical and well-ordered. The characters are likable and consistent. Where I might criticize its predictability, it wouldn't be fair because the clue is right there in the title. The characters are not complex. One is always brave. Her resolve never falters. Another is always nurturing. He never fails to provide care and safety to the people he loves. Another is always narcissistic and controlling. He never laments his failings as a man. But nuance and complex character arcs are not something I'd expect in a first novel written in a matter of weeks. If they were there, I'd probably be intimidated in my own writing. So this novel is exactly what I needed to read right now. It was compelling, engaging, and short with many satisfying moments and the occasional witty turn of phrase. I recommend it to anyone who dreams of writing their own first novel. It's a great example of clear, consistent storytelling that flows from a crisis to a satisfying conclusion. Now, I'm eager to read one of the author's recent novels, to see what she's learned about writing since this one.
OR
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Popular titles by this author
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2022
