1.5 disco balls
Published: June 2, 2016 by Mulholland Books
The additional .5 disco ball was because I actually finished it
Yikes. Reading this was like going to the dentist: Painful. Just opening my kindle to keep reading was like pulling teeth. I questioned categorizing it as a DNF (do not finish) more than a few times, but since I got it from NetGalley I felt like I needed to try and finish: it took me a week. A week of reading I cannot get back.
What attracted me to the book was 1) the cover and 2) the obscure synopsis (as was listed on NetGalley):
“I suppose what I am saying is, how much do we collude in our own destruction? How much of this nightmare is on me?
You can hate and rail. You can kick out in protest.
You can do foolish and desperate things, but maybe sometimes you just have to hold up a hand and take the blame.”
Breathless. Claustrophobic. Unsettling. Impossible to put down.”
I recently visited NetGalley and noticed the synopsis was updated to provide more detail. After reading it (here), I don’t think I would have requested it. But, that can also be because I know the story already and we did not vibe.
Long story short: narcissist, egotistical, womanizer, Paul runs into a former acquaintance, Andrew, whom is the brother of a girl, Frannie, he used to bed. He is invited to dinner at Andrew’s where he meets a widower, Alice, and starts to date her; Andrew obviously not being a fan of this. Paul finds himself changing his womanizing ways for her, although his initial intentions were not too honorable.
Caution mild spoilers ranted below:
In the background are a million (I am exaggerating, but still…) other stories with annoying characters: what happened to Frannie, a possible affair, a teenager fooling around with someone she shouldn’t, a missing girl from a vacation 10 years back, a sullen and angsty teenager, a stepford wife, a girl assaulted while drunk with the assailant on the loose. Why am I sharing this? All these stories apparently are set up for a reason. I don’t want to give it away, that would not be nice. (That can imply that I would recommend reading this book, and I don’t.)
Before I even got the 25% mark I was super confused on where the story was going due to the obscure synopsis and odd character development. It actually didn’t pick up until the 60%+ mark and by then I knew exactly what was happening. It’s a little too obvious and when the ending finally came (hallelujah it was over)…I hated it. Predictable and open ended.
I feel horrible speaking so poorly of someone’s work, as I can imagine how much effort goes into writing a book. I should have given up on this at the 25% mark when I first wasn’t really feeling it. Some books just don’t work for everyone and we should have broken up a bit earlier. I am sorry I strung you along, it wasn’t you, it was me.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Saturday Nite Reader 
I just started reading this book and feel the same way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sooooo happy I decided against this book on NetGalley
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor character development chaps my hide.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read this book and by the sound of it one to avoid. I currently have a book like that. I’ve actually not read any of it for about three weeks as I’m going to start from the beginning again (I’m only 30% in) to see if I can understand it better the second time
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck! Hopefully it turns out better for you 😉
LikeLike
Shucks, it is on my list… ;(
LikeLike
Sorry! Some on goodreads loved it, but I just didn’t enjoy it. It was probably the worst book I have read in a while (I feel bad saying that!).
LikeLike
Your love of reading and respect for the art is so obvious. Sometimes certain books aren’t ready, and sometimes they don’t go to the people they should. I can say that I probably shouldn’t read this book. But you’re so kind to the author and I completely appreciate that. Thanks for your wonderful review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words! Hope you have a magnificent weekend full of great reading 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s my plan! An empty weekend means reading. 😍 I hope you get the same!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This book kind of pissed me off last year. One of my colleagues recommended it, and i only finished it, because i told her “recommend me a book you liked and i’ll finish it”…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad it isn’t just me, but not glad you read a book you disliked too. Those situations are always so hard: you feel bad not feeling the same way. And, does one bad book recommendation ruin all future book recommendations? That would actually be a great post/discussion!
LikeLike
Interesting indeed! I have not read another book from her list that much i can tell you 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so sad! And I have to admit, that cover is a bit visually off…it looks like the words are trying to slide off the book and escape! I probably would have DNFed it, just because I have so many books to read, I can’t waste time on ones I don’t enjoy. I don’t leave a review, however, if I don’t finish. I don’t think it’s fair. Great job on your review 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never heard of this book before, after reading you review, I think I’ll give this one a pass
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] What is the WORST book you ever read and wish you never read it? Lie with Me by Sabine Durrant. […]
LikeLike