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adventurouspotato's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I didn't realize this would mostly be a reflection on generational trauma, specifically in regards to the Korean war. I usually don't read books like this but I'm really glad I picked this one up.
Mostly The Invisible Hotel explores the difficulty of intergeneral understanding when the older generation has experienced an extreme trauma. The portrayal of the awkwardness of trying to speak about the past (or the present) when it is so hard to relate to one another's experience, felt so real. Despite differing circumstances, I really related to the family dynamic and to the main character's difficulties.
Despite it being the title, I think the metaphor of the hotel is unfortunately the weakest part of this book. The author made it work emotionally, but the choice seemed a bit random and is the only thing that doesn't feel completely grounded.
Overall I think this is a profound book which has lower reviews than it deserves likely because of slightly misleading marketing. Its goal is not to scare you like a typical horror novel, although I do think the bones definitely give gothic horror vibes. It is just not really the purpose of this book.
Mostly The Invisible Hotel explores the difficulty of intergeneral understanding when the older generation has experienced an extreme trauma. The portrayal of the awkwardness of trying to speak about the past (or the present) when it is so hard to relate to one another's experience, felt so real. Despite differing circumstances, I really related to the family dynamic and to the main character's difficulties.
Despite it being the title, I think the metaphor of the hotel is unfortunately the weakest part of this book. The author made it work emotionally, but the choice seemed a bit random and is the only thing that doesn't feel completely grounded.
Overall I think this is a profound book which has lower reviews than it deserves likely because of slightly misleading marketing. Its goal is not to scare you like a typical horror novel, although I do think the bones definitely give gothic horror vibes. It is just not really the purpose of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Miscarriage and Grief
Minor: Child death
bunkadunk5's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, War, and Death of parent
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