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A review by neuroqueer
My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen

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

4.25

Plot 💭:
* Gripping
* Well paced & engaging

 Writing Style ✍️:
* Vivid & Descriptive
* Strong somber tone
* Good tension throughout 

Pace & Pacing  ⏱️:
* Perfect Pace 👍

Structure 🏗️:
* Well Organized

Setting 🌏:
* Victorian period Netherlands

Characters 🎭:
* Compelling main characters
* Evil caricature side characters/villains

Book Cover 🖼️:
* Eye-catching

Target Audience 🎯:
* Adult

Thoughts: 
* The story POV flips between Roos telling her life story and transcripts detailing her interview with a psychiatrist. This displays Roos as an unreliable narrator 
* Roos' mother feels like a caricature of evil at times (starving Roos, locking her in a small cramped space) but does the job of making you loath the woman like nothing else 
* We get a slow-burning sapphic romance with Roos and Agnes which was enjoyable to watch grow
* Roos relationship with both Ruth & Agnes highlights co-dependency 
* The writing was wonderful and look forward to reading more by the author

Rating: A