Who Would Like This Book:
If you're into dark, twisty psychological thrillers with a heavy dose of family dysfunction, "Sharp Objects" is right up your alley. Gillian Flynn crafts an unsettling atmosphere set in a small town full of secrets, perfectly blending a murder mystery with the personal demons of her troubled protagonist, Camille. The book delves deep into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, self-destruction, and the underbelly of small-town life. Fans of Tana French and those who like to explore the darker side of human psychology and enjoy deeply flawed, complex characters will be hooked.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found "Sharp Objects" too bleak and disturbing, with graphic depictions of self-harm, substance abuse, and dysfunctional relationships. The relentless sense of doom, lack of any truly likable characters, and the sometimes over-the-top portrayal of trauma and mental illness won't be for everyone. If you're sensitive to topics like self-harm, abuse, or just generally prefer books with hope or lighter moments, this might not be an enjoyable read. Others felt the mystery itself was too easy to solve or that the grimness overshadowed the plot.
About:
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller that follows reporter Camille Preaker as she reluctantly returns to her hometown in Wind Gap, Missouri to investigate the murders of two young girls. The book delves into the small town's secrets, the complexities of family relationships, and Camille's own troubled past, including her struggles with self-harm. The narrative is intense, gripping, and filled with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style in Sharp Objects is described as atmospheric, bleak, and engrossing, with excellent characterization that brings the dark and twisted psyches of the characters to life. Gillian Flynn's debut novel skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense, creating a chilling story that explores the depths of human darkness and the impact of past traumas on present actions.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include self-harm, emotional abuse, childhood trauma, alcoholism, sexual violence, and unsettling descriptions of murders.
From The Publisher:
NOW AN HBO® LIMITED SERIES STARRING AMY ADAMS, NOMINATED FOR EIGHT EMMY AWARDS, INCLUDING OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES
FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF GONE GIRL
Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims-a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story-and survive this homecoming.
Praise for Sharp Objects
"Nasty, addictive reading."-Chicago Tribune
"Skillful and disturbing."-Washington Post
"Darkly original . . . [a] riveting tale."-People
Ratings (838)
Incredible (120) | |
Loved It (328) | |
Liked It (233) | |
It Was OK (107) | |
Did Not Like (31) | |
Hated It (19) |
Reader Stats (1559):
Read It (877) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (458) | |
Did Not Finish (26) | |
Not Interested (196) |
18 comment(s)
why did i recommend this for book club with my sister in laws this was so gory
I still enjoyed this. Although not quite as gripping as Gone Girl, and I knew who it was fairly early on.
At first I liked it. It was definitely getting sucked in straight away. The small town setting, the atmosphere. But it was kind of predictable. And apart from that it is just way too messed up and sick for me to like it much. Realising that these types of domestic thrillers are just not for me.
This book was a little hard for me to get through. Sometimes I just needed a break from the darkness of the story. I know, I know, her books are known for being a little "real", but some of the characters were just so mentally twisted that I could only take it in small doses lol. Now...on to find an uplifting book for my next read!
"The indifference of wealth is a casual evil..."
Seems like I've been rereading books I've read last year. Been thinking about this book for sometime now. I saw it on my local second hand store but didn't pick it up. I regretted it later but while browsing my bookshelf I found that I already had it so why not read it again. Still creeped me out with a good story and difficult characters. Need to read the last Gilliam Flynn book I haven't read yet. But sad that she hasn't written anymore books in a while
I love Gillian Fynn's writing style. I enjoyed this book very much and couldn't put it down. One of the characters was awful, but she wrote them so well I loved to hate.
I read Gillian Flynn's works backward, starting with Gone Girl. Likely because of that, her writing (which is still rich and engaging) is less refined than her later novels. Dark Places is still my favorite of the lot and the one that kept me most guessing, but I'd definitely recommend anyone new to Flynn begin here to get a feel for her style. The twists and turns get harder to spot with each story.
Delightfully creepy. Juicy characters. Expertly crafted.
I would give this 4.5 stars if I could. I thought it was really well done. Interesting plot twists, complex characters - I was captivated!
What can you read after
Sharp Objects?
About the Author:
Gillian Flynn is the author of the runaway hit Gone Girl, an international sensation that has spent more than 95 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her work has been published in 40 languages. Gone Girl is a major motion picture from Twentieth Century-Fox. Flynn's previous…
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