Based on the book jacket excerpt, I assumed Sharp Objects -- Gillian Flynn's first novel -- would be my least favorite of her three published works. I've never really gotten the "cutter" mystique.
Of course, this turned out to be just another example of Flynn taking my expectations and completely flipping them on their ear. It's a tough call, but I might have to say Sharp Objects is my favorite of her books. So far.
Sharp Objects is as dark and gritty as it gets. There are so many taboo issues at play in the story -- from preteen sex, to pervasive alcohol and drug abuse, to self-harm -- it could feel distracting, or even worse, exploitative. But Flynn is masterful at creating characters who aren't necessarily likeable, but that you can't help caring about anyway. Camille Preaker, cub reporter and recovering cutter, provides a very interesting perspective on a small town murder mystery: She's a small-town girl who moved to the big city, only to be drawn home again to cover a series of disturbing child murders. The crime story is gripping and will keep you turning pages -- and as in her other books, Flynn does not disappoint with the unexpected twists and sudden plot flips -- but the characters in this story felt especially strong to me. Messed up, yes. But strong. I'm still thinking about them.
Another thing I love about Flynn: She is a writer who loves words. Her books aren't full of unnecessary purple prose, but she's also not afraid to write a simple passage with some unexpected beauty or surprising handling. The book is full of small moments like this, and even some clever nods to "word nerds." Example: One of the most disturbing and cruel characters in the book is named "Amity." Priceless.
This is a fantastic read, and another title of Flynn's that I'm recommending to everyone I know.
Of course, this turned out to be just another example of Flynn taking my expectations and completely flipping them on their ear. It's a tough call, but I might have to say Sharp Objects is my favorite of her books. So far.
Sharp Objects is as dark and gritty as it gets. There are so many taboo issues at play in the story -- from preteen sex, to pervasive alcohol and drug abuse, to self-harm -- it could feel distracting, or even worse, exploitative. But Flynn is masterful at creating characters who aren't necessarily likeable, but that you can't help caring about anyway. Camille Preaker, cub reporter and recovering cutter, provides a very interesting perspective on a small town murder mystery: She's a small-town girl who moved to the big city, only to be drawn home again to cover a series of disturbing child murders. The crime story is gripping and will keep you turning pages -- and as in her other books, Flynn does not disappoint with the unexpected twists and sudden plot flips -- but the characters in this story felt especially strong to me. Messed up, yes. But strong. I'm still thinking about them.
Another thing I love about Flynn: She is a writer who loves words. Her books aren't full of unnecessary purple prose, but she's also not afraid to write a simple passage with some unexpected beauty or surprising handling. The book is full of small moments like this, and even some clever nods to "word nerds." Example: One of the most disturbing and cruel characters in the book is named "Amity." Priceless.
This is a fantastic read, and another title of Flynn's that I'm recommending to everyone I know.
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