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A review by rgoth
You Can't Hurt Me by Emma Cook
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
3.25 🌟
I've been reading this book for my book club, and recently, I found myself in an intriguing discussion with another member. I said that I was already over 60% through, yet I still wasn't sure whether I was enjoying it or not. Now that I've reached the end, that uncertainty lingers – I'm still grappling with whether it was truly a thrilling read or not.
One aspect I did appreciate was the mysterious whodunnit element woven throughout the narrative. The character of Tony, Anna's brother, struck me as particularly unsettling; his creepy demeanour added a layer of tension that kept me turning the pages. I was genuinely eager to uncover the truth behind Eva's story as it unfolded.
However, the significant hurdle I encountered was my aversion to the cast of characters. They all seem like sociopaths ensnared in their own selfish pursuits, lacking any genuine empathy for those around them. It felt as though none of them possessed a moral compass beyond their self-interests, which made it incredibly challenging for me to root for anyone. This disconnection ultimately hindered my ability to engage deeply with the overall narrative.
Even Eva appeared to approach her work more as a means to feel something rather than out of any true desire to create positive change.
All in all, I believe the premise holds great promise, and I found myself compelled to continue reading, keen to discover how it would all conclude. However, I yearned for more depth and complexity among the characters, as having someone to connect with would have enriched my experience significantly.
I've been reading this book for my book club, and recently, I found myself in an intriguing discussion with another member. I said that I was already over 60% through, yet I still wasn't sure whether I was enjoying it or not. Now that I've reached the end, that uncertainty lingers – I'm still grappling with whether it was truly a thrilling read or not.
One aspect I did appreciate was the mysterious whodunnit element woven throughout the narrative. The character of Tony, Anna's brother, struck me as particularly unsettling; his creepy demeanour added a layer of tension that kept me turning the pages. I was genuinely eager to uncover the truth behind Eva's story as it unfolded.
However, the significant hurdle I encountered was my aversion to the cast of characters. They all seem like sociopaths ensnared in their own selfish pursuits, lacking any genuine empathy for those around them. It felt as though none of them possessed a moral compass beyond their self-interests, which made it incredibly challenging for me to root for anyone. This disconnection ultimately hindered my ability to engage deeply with the overall narrative.
Even Eva appeared to approach her work more as a means to feel something rather than out of any true desire to create positive change.
All in all, I believe the premise holds great promise, and I found myself compelled to continue reading, keen to discover how it would all conclude. However, I yearned for more depth and complexity among the characters, as having someone to connect with would have enriched my experience significantly.