Who Would Like This Book:
If you're into psychological suspense that takes you deep inside troubled, unique characters, you'll love "Grasshopper." Barbara Vine (aka Ruth Rendell) trades in her usual murder-mystery blueprint for a story of coming-of-age, misfit friendship, and self-discovery set against the rooftops of London. The writing is immersive, the cast is memorable, and the offbeat setting makes it stand out. Perfect for fans of introspective, character-driven fiction who aren't looking for a formulaic whodunit.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers were put off by the novel's heavy-handed foreshadowing and slow build - plot twists are often spelled out well in advance, spoiling the tension. If you crave tightly plotted mysteries, a clear main storyline, or quick payoffs, this might feel too meandering or anticlimactic. Others also felt the plot leaned on coincidence and was less believable than Vine's best works.
About:
'Grasshopper' by Barbara Vine is a psychological suspense novel that follows the story of young Clodagh who moves to London after being involved in a tragic death of a friend. The book delves into themes of young love, first love, and coming of age as Clodagh befriends a group of misfits who each have their own tragic stories. The narrative explores how these lives intersect and affect each other, providing Clodagh with a new understanding of herself and others as she navigates adulthood.
The writing style of 'Grasshopper' is described as rich in characterizations and fine narrative that propels the story forward. The plot is contrived in places, with some elements recycled from previous works by the author. Despite this, the characters are brilliantly drawn, particularly the young adult misfits, making the book a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on psychological suspense.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Grasshopper include themes of guilt, loss of a friend, and possibly distressing mental health discussions, meriting a medium caution for sensitive readers.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance in Grasshopper, particularly through the relationship between Clodagh and Silver, which captures themes of first love and young adult relationships.
From The Publisher:
"They have sent me here because of what happened on the pylon."
When Clodagh Brown writes these words at the age of nineteen, she believes that she is leaving behind the traumatic events of her youth. But Clodagh soon learns that you can never entirely escape your past.
In the aftermath of the incident on the pylon-one of the great electrified structures that dot the English countryside like so many gargantuan grasshoppers-Clodagh goes off to university, moves into a basement flat arranged by her unsympathetic family, and finds freedom trekking across London's rooftops with a gang of neighborhood misfits. As she begins a thrilling relationship with a fellow climber, however, both Clodagh and the reader are haunted by the memory of the pylon and of the terrible thing that happened there-and by the eerie sense that another tragedy is just a footfall away.
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About the Author:
Barbara Vine is the author of such acclaimed novels as A Dark-Adapted Eye, Anna's Book, Grasshopper, and The Blood Doctor. She has won many awards for literary accomplishment, including three Edgar Awards and four Gold Daggers.
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