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hannahyorkey's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I found it quite hard to get into this book. I think it just wasn’t for me. The protagonist had an almost apathetic and cold personality and way of communicating that I just didn’t vibe with. I did however enjoy the twist at the end, which I had started to suspect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gore, Murder, and Death
angsgc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chanelchapters's review against another edition
5.0
4.5
Eccentric old lady who house sits in the off season, loves astrology and William Blake’s poetry. But most of all, she loves animals. So you’d better not mess with them.
The writing is superb. The winter vibes are flawless. It did meander a little now and then but overall it was a great noir thriller set in a small polish village on the Czech Republic border with an odd cast of characters.
we all aspire to having ride or die friends like her.
https://youtube.com/@chanelchapters
Eccentric old lady who house sits in the off season, loves astrology and William Blake’s poetry. But most of all, she loves animals. So you’d better not mess with them.
The writing is superb. The winter vibes are flawless. It did meander a little now and then but overall it was a great noir thriller set in a small polish village on the Czech Republic border with an odd cast of characters.
we all aspire to having ride or die friends like her.
https://youtube.com/@chanelchapters
hristiyanak's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.75
loved being in this kooky old lady’s brain. taking with me fun nicknames, leaving astrology
onavros's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed the story and the unique perspective of the narrator. It's not often that elderly women are portrayed in such a strong and empowering light in a world dominated by male values and violence. This was also a very intriguing mystery and adventure story. I loved how the author opened new doors to my view of animals and nature. I could read this story over and over again!
mitziatratum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
not_another_ana's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
We live in a stage of siege. If one takes a close look at each fragment of a moment, one might choke with terror.
One morning Janina, an unconventional woman more concerned with astrology and animals, is awakened by the untimely passing of her neighbor, a rude poacher she didn't much care for. While this event initially seems like a dumb accident, more and more people in town start dying in odd ways. There seems to be only one connection between them, it appears that wild animals have committed the murders. Or at least that's what Janina firmly believes even if no one else thinks the same. As the police keeps investigating Janina cannot help but be drawn to the gruesome crimes and to form her own opinions about the truth, the victims, life, and the world that surrounds her.
Pleasantly surprised by this. It's not really a crime novel or a thriller as it seems to be categorized, it's more of an exploration about different topics. It's dark but still funny and quirky at times. It deals with grief, it examines society and the corrupt systems that it's built on, it even tackles a bit of the hypocrisy of religion. There were tons of lines in this book that resonated with me and touched me deeply, I think Janina was such an interesting character with a rich and complex interior life. Her reflections on life keep this book from being too bleak or nonsensical.
I do think that it ran a bit too long, mostly because there isn't really a mystery. The crime aspect of it was the weakest part of the whole book, you could easily tell what was going on halfway through. I'm unfamiliar with William Blake's poetry and perhaps being familiar with his work would have made some of the references hit better. Still a good and different read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Murder, and Animal cruelty
zeotoy's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
sivi_vjetar's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0