Sharp Objects, by Gillian FlynnReason for Reading: Real life bookclub
Review
Camille Preaker is a troubled young woman and a mediocre journalist. When her editor sends her to her home-town in Missouri for investigative reporting on a possible serial killer, she must stay with her emotionally-destructive mother and wild half-sister. As Camille struggles with ghosts from her past, including her own self-destructive behavior and memories of a dead sister, she discovers that the murders are darker and more complex than she'd originally suspected.
Although this book certainly had a good deal of mystery to it, it wasn't really for me. Although I generally liked Camille's character, there were several times when I groaned inwardly at her choices. She was weak and self-destructive. Such characters are really difficult to write well, and Sharp Objects had a bit of a debut-novel feel to it - perhaps Camille's character should have been created by a more seasoned author. Another issue I had with the book is it was simply too dark for my tastes. There was so much ugliness in the book. Violence, self-loathing, sexual exploitation, and more. On the other hand, I DO understand why some people like this book. The key question to ask is - how much ugliness can you deal with? If you like reading about emotionally troubled characters, then this book would be attractive to you. There was a slight redemptive feel to the story at the end. A ray of hope for Camille. I appreciate that I was given that much. :)
I'm one of the people who really loved this book. But then, I like - and can relate to - emotionally troubled characters. It's not my favourite of Flynn's books, though. Perhaps you could give the others a try?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I intend on trying Gone Girl, at the very least. It was nominated for the long list of the Prize Formerly Known as Orange. And it's been very popular. So I'm intrigued.
DeleteI read Gone Girl by the same author and talk about emotionally troubled characters! I enjoyed Gone Girl though it creeped me out. I planned to read this one as others had recommended it to me. Love that it fulfills so many challenges for you. I'm participating in the Around the World in 80 books challenge as well. http://momssmallvictories.com/reading-challenges-2013/
ReplyDeleteHappy reading this week!
I'll definitely try out Gone Girl, and this time I'll be expecting the darkness.
DeleteI understand what you mean by a more seasoned author creating Camille. That I would LOVE to see. Her character is one full of potential. Molded by the right author I could see a character nonone will forget.
ReplyDeleteThis is my 2nd GF novel. Dark Places was my first. That was DARK. Infact this book was lighter than Dark Places..lolz..I have Gone Girl waiting patiently. I like the dark storylines and emotionally disturbed characters like Camille. I like it when they get some hope it makes me feel fulfilled when I finish the book. Does that make sense?
It looks as if I'll be reading a few more of your reviews tonight..lol..I see so many books I am interested in!
Yes, it makes sense that you like to see emotionally disturbed characters because that hope at the end is fulfilling. I like such characters to a certain extent...and I think this book would have been more appealing to me if it hadn't had so much darkness for other people, too. It was a bit of an overload for me.
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