Scan barcode
A review by sheilareads_
Love by Angela Carter
4.0
I'm truly speechless. After the "second" act, everything changed dramatically. It felt like plummeting down a dark rabbit hole. The novel took a turn I never saw coming. Despite its title, Love, there's little romance within its pages. Carter's writing is brilliant and intricate, showcasing both the depth of her ideas and the precision of her word choices and allusions. I found myself looking up numerous adjectives and references she makes (which I typically wouldn’t bother with), or I would have missed out on their significance if I hadn't.
Her writing is also so clinical, as she describes some of the most macabre scenes I’ve ever read. For instance in the final scene (I don’t want to spoil the book) with the split-scene of Annabel at home, and Lee and Joanne together was surreal. WTF?! The alternating perspectives were mind-blowing to read — who writes like that? It was so withdrawn given that the scene with Annabel was so heavy.
Carter's ability to evoke discomfort was astonishing; what a weirdo (meant in the best possible way!).
Another aspect I adored about the book was delving into the psychology of the characters. The trio are layered, with complex personalities, motivations, and traits. I found myself dissecting their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with other characters. A mark of a truly exceptional book, in my opinion, is its ability to inspire such deep literary analysis, and this book certainly falls into that category. It's rare for a book to ignite this level of curiosity within me, and this one certainly did.
The afterword was so absurd and witty. I was actually smiling at how clever it was despite how the book ends. I’m so glad I discovered the book in some used book shop and decided to buy it. I'm eager to read more of her work, especially The Bloody Chamber, to explore more of Carter’s twisted imagination further.
Her writing is also so clinical, as she describes some of the most macabre scenes I’ve ever read. For instance in the final scene (I don’t want to spoil the book) with the split-scene of Annabel at home, and Lee and Joanne together was surreal. WTF?! The alternating perspectives were mind-blowing to read — who writes like that? It was so withdrawn given that the scene with Annabel was so heavy.
Carter's ability to evoke discomfort was astonishing; what a weirdo (meant in the best possible way!).
Another aspect I adored about the book was delving into the psychology of the characters. The trio are layered, with complex personalities, motivations, and traits. I found myself dissecting their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with other characters. A mark of a truly exceptional book, in my opinion, is its ability to inspire such deep literary analysis, and this book certainly falls into that category. It's rare for a book to ignite this level of curiosity within me, and this one certainly did.
The afterword was so absurd and witty. I was actually smiling at how clever it was despite how the book ends. I’m so glad I discovered the book in some used book shop and decided to buy it. I'm eager to read more of her work, especially The Bloody Chamber, to explore more of Carter’s twisted imagination further.