Reviews

Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman

dutchtineke's review against another edition

3.0

A nice enough book, but the ending felt unfinished and I had expected it to be much more thriller-like.

rj42's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Aside from her young adult fiction, Alice Hoffman is also one of the best modern chroniclers of the contradictions and complications of small town American life. Blue Diary is darker than most of her work but it radiates her trademark humanity and insight and the thriller-like aspects of its plot make it even more compelling. The central character is Ethan Ford, a seemingly perfect father, husband and volunteer firefighter who it transpires may have murdered a young girl years before. We follow his family, friends and, ultimately, the entire town as their lives unravel, sides are chosen and emotions are shattered. Hoffman's descriptive powers are a delight, but ultimately it is the characters' emotions, reactions and frailties that are so believable and authentic.

calli's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

brennasjohnson's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

kittykatzach's review against another edition

5.0

Complex and emotionally challenging, I couldn't put this book down. Excellent novel.

kelly_79's review

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

penalew's review against another edition

4.0

I love all the strong women

papichulo00's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

amc70's review against another edition

dark tense slow-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

2.75

Finally! I finished this book. I have really enjoyed some of Alice Hoffman’s work and love magical realism such Joanne Harris’ Chocolate series or anything by Sarah Addison Allen. This book was just a slog for me; I even considered not finishing, but that just isn’t me. I appreciated Hoffmans use of symbolism and foreshadowing which is why I did finish and gave this book the rating I did. Unfortunately, I will not be sharing this one.

stacyculler's review against another edition

3.0

Alice Hoffman is a favorite of mine but I am going with three stars for a few reasons. I felt this book was somewhat slow...although tremendous things happen, in a sense, nothing really happens. There is a discovery in the first chapter, and the rest of the book is essentially each characters reaction to the discovery, bogged down with extraneous back story and overly descriptive passages about random plants and flowers. I was annoyed by the fact that they kept referring to an impending trial when Ethan immediately pleads guilty. There would be no trial then, right? Just sentencing? Also, I am disturbed by this book and I don’t quite understand.

I believe in grace, I believe in forgiveness. I believe in the idea that a person is not entirely defined by the worst action of their life. I believe in redemption and fresh starts.

But this is something else entirely...the town in this book not only forgives but reveres this man who has committed such a heinous crime...why? Because he admits it and says his sorry for it and can fix their kitchen cabinets? Because he does good things for his community? Because he is attractive? Because he is a man?

The town reserved plenty of judgement for his wife, who knew nothing of his crimes, and his child, who was not even born when they were committed. The child who is innocent and wouldn’t harm a fly.

I am not done thinking about this book, but I am upset by it. I am interested to research the author’s comments on the book, her perspective and her inspiration. I may come back to this review later.