Reviewed by nitzan_schwarz on
And you know what? I think the book is just as good as the series. The things I like more about the series balance out with the things I like better in the book and it's just kinda fun. Although I kind of wish I had read the book first, just so I'd have the urgency of figuring out who'd dun it.
Things I like better in the series:
> No focus on outer appearance. In that regard, this book feels old. The narrative really fixates on how people look, kind of designating the ugly folks to be alone, used and unloved, and I was kind of over how the book lamented on Katherine's beauty. I got it, she's gorgeous, move on. On the other hand, the book DOES do a good job of making it pretty clear that outer beauty does not equal the inner one, and that some of the ugliest people are also the prettiest. Still, I much preferred the way the series didn't really dwell on that matter.
Thins I am CONFUSED about (in terms of my feelings)
> Barnaby and Troy.
Here's the thing. I really like the Barnaby and Troy of the series. I love how Barnaby likes to torture Troy with tasks and snipes because Troy can be a right jerk (of the homophobic verity) but also they balance each other and allow each other to grow. I like how sympathetic Barnaby is and what not.
BUT... Barnaby and Troy of the books are much more nuanced. You get to kind of see what background Troy is coming from and what leads to his thoughts, which makes me excited to see him grow. We get to see that Barnaby wasn't always the person he is today, and he still occasionally fights with it. We get to see him get really ANGRY, and we get to see him makes mistakes and even though I like the Barnaby and Troy of the show better, I have no doubt THESE Barnaby and Troy are much rounder, fuller, more fleshed out characters. Does it make sense? No.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 6 June, 2019: Finished reading
- 6 June, 2019: Reviewed