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A Sight for Sore Eyes

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A Sight for Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell is a psychological thriller that delves into the lives of three main characters: Teddy Brex, a disturbed young man who appreciates only beautiful things; Francine Hill, a woman haunted by witnessing her mother's murder as a child; and Harriet Oxenholme, a bored trophy wife seeking excitement. As their paths intertwine, the narrative unfolds in a dark and eerie manner, showcasing the intricate connections between damaged individuals and culminating in unexpected and chilling outcomes. Rendell's writing style is described as intelligent, engrossing, and highly descriptive, with a focus on psychological depth and character development that keeps readers on edge throughout the book.

Characters:

The characters are intricately developed, embodying psychological complexities and moral ambiguities that challenge reader sympathy.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward and effective, using precise language to create psychological tension and deep character portrayals.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative weaves together the stories of three troubled characters, highlighting their psychological struggles and dark interactions as their lives converge.

Setting:

Set in contemporary London, the setting underscores themes of class disparity and personal trauma, adding to the novel's dark tone.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate and slow, effectively building tension through character development, although some may find it a bit lengthy.
He laughed. Everything she said amused or delighted him, everything about her captivated him from her dark red curly hair to her small white feet. The painter’s instructions were that he should look a...

Notes:

The novel is by Ruth Rendell, a well-known British author.
A Sight for Sore Eyes combines elements of psychological thriller and crime fiction.
It features three main characters: Teddy, Francine, and Harriet, each with complicated backgrounds.
Teddy is portrayed as a deeply disturbed sociopath.
Francine is a young woman traumatized by her mother's murder as a child.
Harriet is a trophy wife engaged in obsessive behavior.
The book explores themes of power, privilege, and past trauma.
It received mixed reviews, with some readers praising its character development and writing style.
Many readers describe it as dark and unsettling, blending macabre elements with moments of dark humor.
Some reviewers noted that the book doesn't follow a traditional mystery structure, leading to confusion about its genre classification.
The ending was perceived as predictable by some readers, while others found it satisfying.
Rendell's writing style is characterized by straightforward prose that builds tension effectively.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of murder, mental illness, childhood trauma, and abuse, making it suitable for readers who are prepared for intense psychological scenarios.

From The Publisher:

Teddy was born in squalor. Now he is a craftsman determined to banish ugliness from his life. Harriet is a beautiful, bored trophy wife who employs a series of repairmen for her sexual satisfaction. And Francine is a college student who witnessed her mother's murder and now must free herself from her father's manipulative second wife. Connected by strands of chance, their lives intersecting in the strangest of ways, these three people are on a journey that will bring them to each other-and to a beautiful ivy-covered home with at least one dead body in the basement….

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About the Author:

Ruth Rendell is the author of Road Rage, The Keys to the Street, Bloodlines, Simisola, and The Crocodile Bird. She is the winner of the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award. She is also the recipient of three Edgars from the Mystery Writers of…

 
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