Reviews
The good news is that this is Gillian Flynn’s debut novel, and each subsequent book has been an improvement over the last. What this means however, is that when you start with something like Gone Girl and then go back and read Sharp Objects, you can’t help but be let down. I’m glad she’s become a better writer over the years and I’m excited to see what she writes next, but when it comes to this book here, I gotta say I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would’ve liked (particularly that ending).
I just want to say that there is nothing wrong with Gillian Flynn’s writing. She’s incredibly talented and I have loved reading all her books. This one slipped through the cracks somehow so I’m late to the party.
I feel so conflicted with this book. There wasn’t a single responsible adult through the entire book and there were many characters. The closest you get would be Camille’s boss but even then I’m not too sure.
Many of the characters were cold, addicted, abusive/abused and/or mentally ill. The whole thing just made me feel more uncomfortable with each chapter. It’s probably exactly how Flynn wanted the reader to feel but I did not like it.
In the end the killer is caught so there is some resolution but a lot of the characters don’t see much growth and I felt sorry for most of them.
Trigger warnings ⚠️ Cutting, parental abuse via munchausen by proxy
Highlights
A child weaned on poison considers harm a comfort.
“I’m surprised she wasn't made to apologize for allowing them to rape her in the first place. Eighth grade. That makes me sick."
He tried to take my hand again, but I tucked it away in my lap.
“So it's the age that makes it rape.”
“It’d be rape at any age.”
“If I got a little too drunk tonight, and was out of my head and had sex with four guys, that would be rape?”
"Legally, I don't know, it'd depend on a lot of things - like your attorney. But ethically, hell yes.”
“You're sexist."
“What?”
“You're sexist. I'm so sick of liberal lefty men practicing sexual discrimination under the guise of protecting women against sexual discrimination."
Didn’t remember this from my first read, ewww
I know the wisdom, that no parents should see their child die, that such an event is like nature spun backward. But it's the only way to truly keep your child. Kids grow up, they forge more potent allegiances. They find a spouse or a lover. They will not be buried with you. The Keenes, however, will remain the purest form of family. Underground.