caitlinking's Reviews (426)

You know that book that’s been eyeing you from your TBR pile, silently judging you for months? Love is a Curse was that book for me. And let me tell you, I'm thrilled I finally took the plunge. I expected a light read—boy, was I wrong! Instead, I found myself knee deep in a gothic atmosphere so thick with malevolence that I considered putting on a nightlight 🤣

Keith Stuart masterfully weaves beautiful lines and profound ideas into a mysterious narrative that kept me flipping pages like my life depended on it. I may be wrong, but it felt like the author himself is a fan of horror, and if that’s the case, it definitely shone through. I especially loved the references to Mary Shelley—not just because she wrote Frankenstein in Bath, where the book is set, but also because she and her husband were fascinated by the occult. The séances in the story were reminiscent of the ones they attended, adding an extra layer of eerie authenticity.

Despite a few slower sections, particularly those lengthy letters, they were essential for piecing together the family's tangled history and generational trauma. In the end, the book delivered a captivating experience that kept me hooked.

Helen Heckety’s Alter Ego offers a frank and insightful exploration of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, shifting our perspective on how we perceive the world. The novel compellingly addresses the struggle to fit in and the desire to conceal parts of ourselves, highlighting the profound need for self-acceptance.

I appreciated how the book underscores the importance of communication, expressing oneself and being truly heard and understood. This theme resonates strongly throughout the narrative, adding depth to our protagonist, Hattie’s, journey.

However, I found some aspects of the book to be somewhat clichéd. The reference to sepsis again later in the book in particular, felt like a bit of a tired plot device that detracted from the story's originality. While the novel is eye-opening and offers valuable insights, it occasionally veers into trite territory.

Overall though, Alter Ego is an engaging read that provides meaningful representation and encourages empathy. Despite its few missteps, it remains a thought provoking book that many readers will find relatable and enlightening.