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A review by michaelapr
Isabella Moon by Laura Benedict
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Well that was a disappointment. Based on everything I'd read, this book was supposed to be a ghost story and a mystery. A mystery where the ghost is trying to get someone to solve their murder. All of which sounded intrig ing and fun. That was not what this was.
Instead I had to read through multiple pointless plots that I did not care about or want to read with very little focus on Isabella Moon- ya know, what the book was supposed to be There were also so many unnecessary details that was not needed, most of which were sexual in nature. Don't get me wrong, I'm no prude, but the amount of unnecessary gross sex scenes, thinking about sex, and the enjoyment of victimizing women in this book was obscene.
I made a note early on saying that this book felt like it was written by a man. Except I also felt insulted for men in this book, which never happens. But it was clear, to me at least, that this author felt that all men thought about sex all the time and wanted deep down to hurt women all the time even if they didn't realize it. How awful and incorrect. But the author also didn't portray women very well either - she often portrayed her female characters as typical stereotypes, which bordered on harmful in some cases.
Then, after all that, the ending is disappointing and pointless, with our main characters fate left as a hazy, confusing unknown.
Honestly I would have DNFed this book if it wasn't for my book club. It's safe to say I do not recommend this one (and neither does my book club!)
Instead I had to read through multiple pointless plots that I did not care about or want to read with very little focus on Isabella Moon- ya know, what the book was supposed to be There were also so many unnecessary details that was not needed, most of which were sexual in nature. Don't get me wrong, I'm no prude, but the amount of unnecessary gross sex scenes, thinking about sex, and the enjoyment of victimizing women in this book was obscene.
I made a note early on saying that this book felt like it was written by a man. Except I also felt insulted for men in this book, which never happens. But it was clear, to me at least, that this author felt that all men thought about sex all the time and wanted deep down to hurt women all the time even if they didn't realize it. How awful and incorrect. But the author also didn't portray women very well either - she often portrayed her female characters as typical stereotypes, which bordered on harmful in some cases.
Then, after all that, the ending is disappointing and pointless, with our main characters fate left as a hazy, confusing unknown.
Honestly I would have DNFed this book if it wasn't for my book club. It's safe to say I do not recommend this one (and neither does my book club!)
Graphic: Child death, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Gaslighting
Minor: Racism