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h4untingxx's review
1.0
DNF @ 53 pages.
Not intriguing, written as if trying to show how smart and clued up the main character is but it comes off annoyingly pretentious and sometimes just, excessive for the sake of it. Had myself rolling my eyes many times. Some books start slow, I appreciate that but usually there’s something that makes you want to push through until it does get better - but that was not the case here.
Interesting premise but, fell flat on execution for me so much I’m DNFing.
Not intriguing, written as if trying to show how smart and clued up the main character is but it comes off annoyingly pretentious and sometimes just, excessive for the sake of it. Had myself rolling my eyes many times. Some books start slow, I appreciate that but usually there’s something that makes you want to push through until it does get better - but that was not the case here.
Interesting premise but, fell flat on execution for me so much I’m DNFing.
debtat2's review
3.0
Crakethorne Asylum a victorian gothic mental hospital set in victorian times. Sounds like a recipe for success!
Sadly that wasn't the case for me, I wanted to love this book, i really did but it just wasn't a fit for me. For now this will be down as a DNF for now but I will come back and give it another go soon.
I haven't written this book off completely!
Sadly that wasn't the case for me, I wanted to love this book, i really did but it just wasn't a fit for me. For now this will be down as a DNF for now but I will come back and give it another go soon.
I haven't written this book off completely!
aislinn_mac2's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
1.5
carrieat's review against another edition
2.0
I downloaded this as my first Audible book to get me though a 6 hour round drive. I love books about mental health, set in Yorkshire with a Victorian Gothic undertone so had high hopes for this.
I'm not sure if it was the book itself or the narration but I couldn't bring myself to put it back on for the return journey. The characters did not grab me and though it started off atmospheric after three hours it had lost all its appeal.
I'm not sure if it was the book itself or the narration but I couldn't bring myself to put it back on for the return journey. The characters did not grab me and though it started off atmospheric after three hours it had lost all its appeal.
jubaju's review against another edition
2.0
I literally only just closed this book and I’ve already forgotten the man’s name. Suffice to say, he bored me to death. Doctor Whatshisface was an unremarkable, misogynistic asshole who only cared about Vita because she was beautiful.
He took pride in being rational, over all these hysterical females in his care, even though he let his emotions rule him and made very stupid decisions.
I would’ve much rather have read this book from Vita’s perspective. I mean, possibly murdered her step-son, pinned it on her husband, manipulated an entire hospital, mind tricks? Much more interesting than whatever angst Doctor Daddy Issues was going through.
The writing tried too hard to be true to a 1800s novel, but it was stunted and stuffy. The plot twist at the end was not so predictable, but bland. It was introduced by the author as a final bang but concluded the novel the same way it had been in its entirety: boring, long, and God! Why so much romance? Overall, giving this 2 stars purely for Vita.
He took pride in being rational, over all these hysterical females in his care, even though he let his emotions rule him and made very stupid decisions.
I would’ve much rather have read this book from Vita’s perspective. I mean, possibly murdered her step-son, pinned it on her husband, manipulated an entire hospital, mind tricks? Much more interesting than whatever angst Doctor Daddy Issues was going through.
The writing tried too hard to be true to a 1800s novel, but it was stunted and stuffy. The plot twist at the end was not so predictable, but bland. It was introduced by the author as a final bang but concluded the novel the same way it had been in its entirety: boring, long, and God! Why so much romance? Overall, giving this 2 stars purely for Vita.
thebooktrail88's review against another edition
4.0
Visit the locations in the novel The Crow Garden
Gothic atmosphere, set in an asylum in the midst of the Yorkshire Moors….mesmerism in theatres in London? Well this couldn’t be more atmospheric if it tried. Having loved the Little People, I was keen to read this one and it’s a unique world Alison draws, thats for sure. She approaches the shockingly true story of how women could so easily be taken into asylums on the word of their husbands. The scenes – for this novel reads like a series of scenes dimly lit with the sound of candles crackling in your ear, are horrific and even disturbing.
The author also uses many literary references in the novel -with poets Brown and Byron being used to show each of the main characters personalities. The world of mesmerism is drawn with detailed and disturbing words and the overall effect for me was chilling, disturbing and a darn good gothic read.
emmaj_xo's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A creepy page-turner, definitely a good seasonal read for the cold and the damp. Definitely an unreliable narrator done right, though this would perhaps make the conclusion unsatisfying for some readers.
schez's review against another edition
3.0
Thoroughly entertaining- classic victorian feel.
Enjoyable narration. Think I may like to read it rather than listen next time.
Enjoyable narration. Think I may like to read it rather than listen next time.
kimchi84's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5