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frances__evie's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
tharina's review
2.0
Usually, Sophie Hannah's intricate plots are interesting, unpredictable and manages to create suspense. This book, however, is just one convoluted mess and I found myself indifferent to the fate of the characters. Simon's antagonism towards Proust was also irritating; it felt like Hannah decided there had to be some friction between her regular characters and this antagonism was the next best thing to having Charlie squabble with Liv or agonising because Simon won't have sex with her.
thebookmouse's review
4.0
This book was brilliantly written. It gets you guessing and trying to figure out who and what. The ending was unexpected and when finishing this book I was really quite dissapointed that it had ended. Brilliantly written.
A first for me with this author but won't be the last.
A first for me with this author but won't be the last.
sanchwrites's review
3.0
My review: http://bondwithbooks.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/a-room-swept-white/
lauraorourke's review
3.0
I very much enjoyed A Room Swept White. I found myself guessing the entire time, and did not find the plot twists predictable. The plot was engaging, and I found the story-line interesting.
On the other hand, this book portrays some annoyingly unrealistic characters. Fliss, the main character, jumps between being rather moronic and hysterical to being smart and level-headed throughout the book. Her character is all over the place.
Fliss's main love interest for the majority of the novel refuses to allow himself to be endearing to either her or the reader. I couldn't understand what Fliss was interested in, because this guy was clearly a loser. I understand why the author wrote him like that, but I would have preferred a little more effort on her point. The author needn't be so transparent.
I wish the author spent as much time creating strong characters as she did with putting together a good story. If she did, this book would have been much better.
On the other hand, this book portrays some annoyingly unrealistic characters. Fliss, the main character, jumps between being rather moronic and hysterical to being smart and level-headed throughout the book. Her character is all over the place.
Fliss's main love interest for the majority of the novel refuses to allow himself to be endearing to either her or the reader. I couldn't understand what Fliss was interested in, because this guy was clearly a loser. I understand why the author wrote him like that, but I would have preferred a little more effort on her point. The author needn't be so transparent.
I wish the author spent as much time creating strong characters as she did with putting together a good story. If she did, this book would have been much better.
awellkeptlife's review
3.0
I can see why some people liked the work. It wasn't your typical superficial mystery novel. There was indeed some intelligent thought and writing put into the book, and for that it was well done. I, personally, felt the book fell a bit flat for me. Maybe it was all of the moveable parts (shifting of perspectives) and such that made it harder to follow. This was made worse because I would frequently pick up the book and have to set it aside for days without picking it up again as that is usually how life goes with three small children. But if the book is holding my attention, I can typically jump back into it quicker and with more eagerness to do so. This was not the case for me with this book. I felt that the numerous jumps and breaks in character perspective left me feeling apathetic to anyone in the book. I didn't really take an interest until I hit page 300 hundred or so and then I felt compelled to see it to the end. Several times I felt like ditching the book, but the plot was thick enough to keep me engaged, even if at times that engagement was unsteady and wobbly. I would recommend this book, if you enjoy mystery novels and have a bit of time initially upfront to invest. Once you have a hold of who is who and their roles, it goes much quicker. I also would mention that I read the US copy that was sold alone as Cradle in The Grave. This UK title appears to be part of a series so that might have some factor into my experience.
han_cat's review
2.0
Felt this book was way to long, middle section especially at times felt never ending! Unfortunately the subject matter got tiring for me and at points it felt like a political statement rather than a novel. I know that's what your going to get with a plot like this so really all I can say is not my kind of book.
clockwatcher212's review
3.0
Once again, I disliked most of the characters but still enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting it down.
vierenveertig's review
2.0
Een boek traag beginnen, het dan nog eens bij de tandarts achterlaten om het vier boeken later toch nog maar uit te lezen: geen goed idee. En dat maakt hoe moeilijk te oordelen over een boek. Laat ons zeggen dat ik het andere boek van deze schrijfster dat ik las beter vind.
gemmabrown84's review
3.0
I did really enjoy this book, I felt a bit confused at some points during the story as there were a lot of characters and at times it was a little difficult to follow. The subject was very deep, but I felt well handled. I did not guess the ending, it kept me guessing right up until the end. Can't say too much as it is a suspense thriller so don't want to give anything away. It hasn't left me rushing out to read more by the author, but I wouldn't rule her out completely - if that makes sense!?