Book Review: Dark Places

Since several people asked me about Dark Places yesterday when I wrote about it, I figured I'd do my book review today (I have two others that I need to review, too, so look for those in the near future).
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Goodreads synopsis:
Libby Day was just seven years old when her evidence put her fifteen-year-old brother behind bars.

Since then, she had been drifting. But when she is contacted by a group who are convinced of Ben's innocence, Libby starts to ask questions she never dared to before. Was the voice she heard her brother's? Ben was a misfit in their small town, but was he capable of murder? Are there secrets to uncover at the family farm or is Libby deluding herself because she wants her brother back?

Intriguing, right?? My book club almost read this book a while ago, but never ended up doing so. After reading Gone Girl and being totally sucked into it, I knew I wanted to read some of Gillian Flynn's other books.  Somehow I got to this one after the holidays (and after reading Andy Cohen's book...talk about a change in genre!)

I thought the story to the book was good, and it held my attention. I definitely wanted to know what happened and was waiting for a big twist that I was sure was going to come. The only thing that I didn't like about the book was that I really couldn't relate to any of the characters (and maybe you don't have to in some books), but it made it slightly less enjoyable for me. I pictured the entire story in my head in black and white because it just seemed super dark and depressing (which, it was). I'd say you have to be in the right mindset and mood to read this one. The writing is excellent...very vivid and descriptive, and the story is unique.

I'm glad that I read it, but I was also happy to be done with it, mainly so I could move on to a happier/lighter story.

11 comments:

  1. I feel like this would be perfect to read after listening to Serial lol...but like you said if you can't relate to the characters it makes it hard to get through...also after Gone Girl, I think I need a full 6 months before reading another Flynn book lol! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  2. I'm very interested in reading this! I only have a few weeks before I get sucked in to the hard part of my semester of school, so I am trying to read as much as I can before then. Did you find that you liked it more or less than Gone Girl?

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  3. I found Libby really hard to even like! The story was written well and like you, I had to know what happened but I wasn't upset when I finished it. Let me know if you read Sharp Objects!

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  4. I'm the same way where I keep waiting for the twist in books. Especially since Gone Girl was twist after twist after twist! Still sounds intriguing though! Thanks, girl!

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  5. I read her book, Sharp Objects, and wasn't overly thrilled about that one, either.

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  6. I think I agree with Bloved above - After Gone Girl, I think I need a 6 month break before trying any more of Gillian Flynn's books too. And will definitely be avoiding this one after the email you sent me yesterday. At least til after baby. That author is either a very dark and depressing person, or a complete genius who can somehow write this material so believably without actually being a dark and depressing person, lol.

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  7. this was a really dark book. you need something light and fun next. How about Calvin and Hobbs comic? I just realized I never texted you back about the child being F'd up with all the drugs. whoopsie

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  8. I've tried to read this book twice, but just couldn't get into it. It was so dark and heavy that I didn't like reading it. I wish I liked it because she's a fantastic author! But if you need something light and fun after that, you should read Twenties Girl or I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella! I just finished TG and laughed out loud several times. They're both perfect light and fun reads after such a dark book. :)

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  9. I loved Gone Girl and I heard that her other books were event better. I really want to get around to this one this year. I'll definitely be following it with a light read though. Maybe something by a comedian like Tina Fey or Chelsea Handler? lol

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  10. I thought this was a good book. I wasn't overly into it but it held my attention...

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  11. This was a tough book for me. I have read all of Gillian Flynn's books, and I started with Gone Girl, which was amazing, so I expected the same from her other two. Like one of your other commenters, I also found Libby difficult to like, but it was strange, because I also understood why she was so prickly and dark herself (how could you not be after what she experienced?!), so I almost felt guilty for not liking her. Gone Girl is definitely my favorite of the three, with Sharp Objects coming in second. And I tell you what...if you think this book was dark and depressing, wait until Sharp Objects. That book is like, 12x more screwed up than the other two, I thought. GF is either completely mad herself, or just so brilliant, it's beyond my comprehension.

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