However, what if Lizzie did commit the murders, but there was a good reason? What if Lizzie had to continue watching --and trying to contain--an evil that threatened to overtake the entire town of Fall River...and maybe much more? Therein lies the tale that Priest develops. The book fits into the horror genre and does, as several reviewers mention, have a Lovecraftian aura about it.
What I liked:
-the style of writing which mimics an older style yet allows a more current application
-the use of diary entries, various personal accounts of developing situations, and personal correspondence. These elements give insight into several characters.
-the concept of Lizzie, not as a murderess, but an unexpected hero. After all, she was
acquitted of the murders, and the premise of the novel is that Lizzie's life is devoted to
battling monsters.
What bothered me:
-If the author was going to alter history so drastically, I would have been happier if she had
simply taken the basic idea and created her own characters. Spoiler: The inclusion of
Nance bothered me. The two didn't meet until 1904, and Nance lived a long life. I could
not let the these facts go, so all the Nance scenes interrupted ability to believe.
-The "evil" that threatens the town is--well, amorphous, pun intended. It is never satisfactorily explained in origin or purpose, and even has some contradictory elements.
-The book is too long and the suspense suffers because portions drag.
-Inspector Wolf held such possibilities and was neglected to the point that it was hardly
worth including him.
-the conclusion, or lack, thereof.
Library copy.
Horror. 2014. 435 pages.
I have read Cherie Priest in the past and liked her, but not enough to read everything by her quickly. This one sounds pass-worthy!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I read it because I haven't read anything by Priest in several years, and I like the idea of giving Lizzie a different role--but there are elements that kept me from be satisfied.
DeleteAt first I thought, oh fun! But then there are far too many things you didn't like that would also be annoying for me. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteI know! I would have liked this so much better if there had been a little lightness to the book, but guess that would have diminished the Lovecraftian horror.
DeleteI read this for last year's Once Upon A Time, on account of it fitting within folklore, fairy tales, and fantasy, but yes it is certainly an RIP-worthy rad too.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I loved it. I know nothing about the real events, so was oblivious to any deviances from facts.
Actually maybe I'll go look for the sequel for this year's RIP :)
If I could have eliminated some of the facts about Nancy from my head, I think I'd have like it better. When I began reading, I thought I was going to love it, but by the time I finished, I was a little tired of all the characters.
DeleteI am kind of tempted by this one. I've never read anything by Cheri Priest and have wanted to but maybe start with another of her books.
ReplyDeleteMany readers loved this book! If it tempts you, give it a try. One thing I admired was the way Priest uses Lovecraft's thematic ideas--I'm not a great fan of the subgenre, but can appreciate the way Priest used elements in the novel. :)
DeleteSounds like the good parts equal the bad in this book. Will you be reading the next book in this series?
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think I will. I'm tempted, just for comparison, but think I'll give the next one a pass.
DeleteDefinitely fits for the RIP Challenge, but not sure if I'd want to read it. It seems a bit too dark for me, plus it's based on a real person, even if it's a re-imagining one.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly made an interesting first read for the R.I.P. challenge! Even though I admired a number of things about the book, it was a kind of "just miss" for me.
DeleteWell, a reexamination of Lizzie Borden is an interesting concept. Too bad the book fell short.
ReplyDeleteI liked the way the author developed the characters and the re-imagining of Lizzy, but several things just didn't work for me. Most reviews on Goodreads were 4-5 stars--a matter of taste. :)
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