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A review by vanuyenp
Deviant by Helen Fitzgerald
3.0
Abigail is a cynical, stubborn Scottish girl who's slowly starting to figure out her identity. Since the age of 9, Abigail has been living in a place for "Unloved Nobodies" until the day when she finds out that her mother has died and that she has a family in the U.S. Upon arriving in the States, Abigail begins to figure out that her new family has a fair share of secrets.
The beginning of the book was a bit slow for me, but the plot became a lot more interesting. Abigail's relationship with Becky was by far my favorite part of the book. I loved how they gradually warmed up to each other and became close enough to start quoting from "The Shining"(:. Some gripes: I'm not really sold on the romance yet. Sure, there are descriptions of hotness, but I'm not really impressed yet. . Overall, I'd like to see greater character development. The book was a little dry at times, and I felt that the big reveal was a little anti-climactic. I felt that the premise of the story is really interesting, but I'd like Abigail's thoughts to be more drawn-out and complex, as I think her background is fascinating and could add more depth to the story.
My favorite quote: "Stupid, beautiful, spoiled, misguided idiot kids. No idea about how cold and ugly the world really is." I think this issue between disparities in wealth and social standing is a really interesting part of the novel that I'd like to see more of in a sequel.
I kept going back and forth between 2 and 3 stars. This book isn't one of my favorites, but the plot did catch my attention. Ultimately, I give it 3 stars. A fairly interesting book overall- I'll probably read the second one, if there is one (which seems pretty likely).
The beginning of the book was a bit slow for me, but the plot became a lot more interesting. Abigail's relationship with Becky was by far my favorite part of the book. I loved how they gradually warmed up to each other and became close enough to start quoting from "The Shining"(:
Spoiler
I was so bummed when Becky died- I felt that her character could have been more well-developed and I would have loved to see her grow more, especially since she's my favorite character in the novelSpoiler
I fail to understand Abigail's obsession with Stick...sure, he's trying to expose corruption, but I don't really love him as a character yet. Let's just say I didn't cry when he fell into the canal. And Bren? His transition from a gay hairdresser to potential love interest was a little too abrupt for me. Come to think of it, the introduction to his family came really quickly too...I just felt that things could have and should have been fleshed out a little bit moreMy favorite quote: "Stupid, beautiful, spoiled, misguided idiot kids. No idea about how cold and ugly the world really is." I think this issue between disparities in wealth and social standing is a really interesting part of the novel that I'd like to see more of in a sequel.
I kept going back and forth between 2 and 3 stars. This book isn't one of my favorites, but the plot did catch my attention. Ultimately, I give it 3 stars. A fairly interesting book overall- I'll probably read the second one, if there is one (which seems pretty likely).