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carlaabra's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Meh. The writing style really drew me in in the first 80 or so pages: witty, original, and bitingly sarcastic. I thought I was going to love this book. I was then disappointed, as the next 120 pages were a trudge through monotony - which in retrospect, might’ve been the point. Ostensibly idyllic suburbia that hides drudgery and loneliness. The last 100 pages contain the plot climax and cement the themes of the book. Overall I think it could’ve been equally effective as a short story of <100 pages.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Infidelity, and Child death
Minor: Self harm, Vomit, and Sexual assault
Toxic family relationships (husband/wife, parent/child to a lesser degree). Sexual assault is relatively “minor”, boy dry humps a sleeping girl. Self harm very minimal, girl tentatively cuts arm in a bout of emotional distress, then is fine.renepierre's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-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
3.5
The Ice Storm tells the story of two families in suburban New England, the Hoods and the Williamses. While the parents of both families are attending a swingers party, a snow storm is shutting down the state, and their children, left on their own, use this time to explore them selves and their desires, resulting in sometimes funny, uncomfortable or devastating outcomes. While moody isn’t my favourite when it comes to style -often overwhelming the reader with his knowledge of what cultural knowledge was in the 70s - he did have me invested in the characters all the way through the novel. I’d recommend this book to anyone that likes some humour to lighten the mood of what ultimately is a depressing book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
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