Dark Places is story of a crime. One that occurred many years ago when Libby was only a child. Her brother was imprisoned. Now Libby Day is a grown up and her flocks of 'pity' or 'sympathy' money is coming to an end, she sets out, reluctantly, to revisit the terrors of that day.
Gillian Flynn is probably better known for being the author of Box Office hit film Gone Girl. Dark Places was her second book. Sharp Objects (which I haven't read yet) was her first. Gone Girl being the third.
As far as the story goes, I really enjoyed it. I liked the idea behind the story and thought that it definitely had the substance to be a good read. My issue was the writing style. Like many other stories by one of my faves (Mr S King, I'm looking at you here), this book took a loooooonnnnnngggg time to get going. I believe it was only when I reached around page 150 ish that I actually felt any connection to the story or its characters. Saying that, I was pretty pleased with how it turned out in the end.
I have heard people complain that the ending felt rushed. I didn't get that. I liked the way it was done. There was only a small inclination earlier on in the story as to how it would end. And when I say small, it was probably better described as minuscule. I have a tendency to be able to predict endings of books and films from quite early on - yet I didn't have this one worked out. I had a "oh yeah" moment when I realised.
All in all, it was a decent book. I'm planning on reading Gone Girl, but not sure if I would go back and read Sharp Objects. Maybe my thoughts will change once I've read GG.
My rating may be different to the one I left on Goodreads, I can't remember what I logged initially... but I have had time (nearly a full month) to think about. This is my final judgement.
Gillian Flynn is probably better known for being the author of Box Office hit film Gone Girl. Dark Places was her second book. Sharp Objects (which I haven't read yet) was her first. Gone Girl being the third.
As far as the story goes, I really enjoyed it. I liked the idea behind the story and thought that it definitely had the substance to be a good read. My issue was the writing style. Like many other stories by one of my faves (Mr S King, I'm looking at you here), this book took a loooooonnnnnngggg time to get going. I believe it was only when I reached around page 150 ish that I actually felt any connection to the story or its characters. Saying that, I was pretty pleased with how it turned out in the end.
I have heard people complain that the ending felt rushed. I didn't get that. I liked the way it was done. There was only a small inclination earlier on in the story as to how it would end. And when I say small, it was probably better described as minuscule. I have a tendency to be able to predict endings of books and films from quite early on - yet I didn't have this one worked out. I had a "oh yeah" moment when I realised.
All in all, it was a decent book. I'm planning on reading Gone Girl, but not sure if I would go back and read Sharp Objects. Maybe my thoughts will change once I've read GG.
My rating may be different to the one I left on Goodreads, I can't remember what I logged initially... but I have had time (nearly a full month) to think about. This is my final judgement.