Caroline H. reviewed on 4/28/2013 + 19 more book reviews

I haven't read this book and don't plan to now, which makes this a very odd review,I know. However, as I was looking this copy over before reading it, I noticed it had an odd format which I thought I might mention. Inside each chapter, the text it is divided into scenes, which are anywhere from one to about 30 paragraphs long, and each scene begins with three words in bold uppercase font. I read a few pages and found it incredibly disruptive. Also instead of using an actual name, most of the time the main character is referred to as Oscar's niece or "the niece," which frankly, also rubbed my nerves raw. What, she isn't allowed her own identity? Oscar and the degree of relationship to him is the most important part of her identity? Kind of insulting to her personhood, isn't it, and a wee bit sexist?

To be quite honest and transparent, I must confess I did read the first book in the series and thought it needed more polish than it received before publishing; hope springs eternal and I picked this one up, assuming that subsequent experience would have generated improvements in the author's style and substance. The jury will remain out, as I can't talk myself into reading this. One of you will be benefiting from my reaction, as I will be listing the book soon.

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