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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
The topic is undoubtedly a difficult one, and Josephine Hart manages it quite well. Still, the writing itself hasn't impressed me as much as I hoped it would: the sentences were rather short and lackluster, and the dialogues were occasionally weird in their unnaturalness. However, there is certain attraction in this style, which I can't deny. Overall, a good quick read with a good dive into the maze of obsession, jealousy, forbidden and inhimane, even.
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Aspects of this book include: the consequences of male boredom and privilege, the mix of pleasure and pain in romantic relationships/life generally, the infectious transmission of grief between lovers, etc. Much to ponder if you look beyond the simple (albeit juicy) plot.
This was probably more interesting for its time — not a thoughtless or boring novel by any means, though.
This was probably more interesting for its time — not a thoughtless or boring novel by any means, though.
tense
I read this book in literally one sitting. The voice of the narrator drew me in completely. I loved the fantastical, visceral connection between the protagonist and our "femme fatale" Anna. The diction was cutting and pointed, the imagery was compelling (his obsession with colors and vignettes: the snapshot in his mind's eye of the rooms where he has these intense experiences, for example), and though we didn't spend a huge amount of time with the characters in the relatively short novel, I really felt that I knew them. His son and his wife, especially. Anna, of course, remained an enigma, though perhaps the reader could see her more clearly than the obsessed narrator could.
I loved this novel, definitely recommend especially if you're into thrillers.
I loved this novel, definitely recommend especially if you're into thrillers.
A Josephine Hart novels is addictive to me - a perfect, poisonous little bon-bon of a book, and this is the best of the bunch, though I really enjoy all of them. The movie adaptation with the scrumptious Jeremy Irons is not bad, but the book is pure pleasure. (I'm guessing on the read date.)
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a fast read. Be forewarned: this book was actually published originally way back in 1991. I only recently came upon it after learning about a Netflix miniseries that was based on it, so before I watched it, I decided to read the book, especially since it was a rather short book (177 pages). It is told from the male main character's perspective and there is a rather taboo topic within the book: He falls for his son's fiancée and begins an affair with her. His turns of phrase within the book and observations regarding life in general is what compelled me to keep reading. This truly is a different book. He states at the end that this is a love story, but not your typical one. I find it be a rather erotic thriller, with some twists I didn't see coming. The tone is rather methodical; he just feels awakened for the first time in his entire life to a life and possibility he didn't know he wanted. A true obsession. It really makes one think how some people just walk through life and then someone somewhere creates a fire or a passion within them that they didn't know existed. Let's hope it isn't with your children's fiancées though. Off I go to watch the miniseries now with the handsome Richard Armitage as the lead. A highly recommended little read.
