Sharp Objects

Disturbing But Compelling

This was Flynn's first novel, but I read her second (unrelated) novel, Dark Places, first. Both do have points of similarity. Both have very damaged protagonists and both have great voices and striking prose. Both have disturbing themes and imagery. I liked this one much more though. Her next book has if anything an even more memorable and well-drawn protagonist and ambitious structure--but in this one the resolution made much more sense; it really held together with a wicked twist in the end.

This isn't a genteel drawing room mystery but very gritty and noirish. This story deals with two child murders in a small Missouri town where the little girls had their teeth ripped out. The protagonist, Camille Preaker, is a reporter who returns to her hometown to cover the story. In isolation Camile might seem extreme, even repulse a reader with her self-destructive actions--she has a history as a cutter and if she's not an alcoholic, she's clearly on the way. But in the context of her family and hometown her behavior is explicable and sympathetic. Her mother is among the more well-drawn human monsters I've read in a work of fiction and yet seems just all of a piece in her setting--Flynn is very good at invoking the sharp cruelties in this small town across generations. The novel is a well-paced, compelling read I won't soon forget.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

intriguing, freaky, suspenseful book

Camille Preaker isn't the most likeable heroine and sometimes I think I would call her the anti-heroine. She does a lot of stupid things in this book but I always hope she succeeds. Camille is the most unusual main character I have ever read about. Her form of self-mutilation is unusual and fascinating. I'm glad I bought this book so I can re-read it because it is an unusual book and I raced thru it and the twist at the end was a huge surprise. I did not expect it at all. I look forward to reading this author's second book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Gillian Flynn Needs A Vacation from the Dark Side!

After reviewing another Flynn novel, "Dark Places", a few posts ago, I was a little hesitant to do another one. Don't get me wrong. Flynn is a very talented author, but you really have to be in the mood for her. Her books are not frivolous beach reads, filled with rich girls shopping and sleeping around to their hearts content. Flynn's novels are dark and messy. The covers are jet black, with one small picture in the middle. I have to say that of the two, I preferred the book I am about to review, "Sharp Objects".

This is the story of Camille Preaker, a Chicago newspaper reporter. Camille is sent back to her hometown in Missouri to report on the murders of two preteen girls. While there, she must deal with family ghosts...a mother who never loved her, a half-sister she has never met, and a sister who died long ago. Her past is not pretty, but she must confront it if she wants to report on the murders and get on with her life.

"Sharp Objects" is hard to put down but not a fun read. Gillian Flynn just needs to go on vacation somewhere and relax to get away from her dark side. I will be reviewing "Twenties Girl" by Sophie Kinsella, the queen of chick lit, very soon! I need to get back into "summer" mode!

MY RATING - 4

To see my rating scale and more reviews, please check out my blog:
http://www.1776books.blogspot.com

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Disturbing, Bizarre--and absolutely Riveting!!!

With so many books out there with the same old plot line, I am always in search of a novel with a unique, never-done-before character and plot line. This one hits the nail on the head. Well done.

This book sticks with you

I read it over three years ago and I still think about it. Every time I am looking for a new book to read I click on this one and look for books like it. I'm not a morbid person, quite bubbly actually, and I found this book wonderful. Gillian Flynn writes so "real" it's hard to believe it's not her true story. Very gifted writer!

Could not put it down

Just finished it and I could not put it down! It was creepy and interesting in a way that I haven't seen before in a murder mystery thriller horror whichever this was and I'm an avid reader mind you. If you liked this book I would definitely recommend Don't Breathe a Word by Jennifer Mcmahon (spelling?) that's the only other book I've read that even comes close to the dark thrill of this book.

Good book

I knew who did it after the first 60 pages but didnt knoww how or why so i kept reading. Great twist and turns

Excellent

Dark story about family relationships and small town living.

Great read!

Very gripping and fast-paced story. I enjoyed this book a lot and also liked her other book - Dark Places. Good book for lovers of well-written suspense novels.

Excellent novel

Great, well written first novel. Kept me guessing until the end. Dark writing but it makes for compelling reading. I would highly recommend this novel. I look forward yo reading this authors next novel.

great first novel!

After reading Dark Places I was hooked on Gillian Flynn and knew I had to read more of her work. Sharp Objects did not disappoint. She kept me pulled into Wind Gap until the end.

Fantastic and Wicked

Excellent story. Dark, but fun.

Excellent Book

I loved this book. Very disturbing!! But I absolutely loved it!!

Nothing less than Extraordinary!

There are many ways to find out whether a book is worthy of our time. Usually they're recommended, required for a class of some sort, or the summary seems interesting enough. And in this case, with this particular book just picking it up seems/seemed right and worth it.

If you love the dark scene, lust, gore, and visuals...you'll fall for this novel. Barbed twisted goodness all in one!!!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Could Not PUT IT DOWN!!!!!

She is 1 of the best writers i have had the pleasure to experience in a LONG time!!!! this book and her other 1 "Dark Places" are Amazing !!!! i read them both in 2 days each . on the edge of your seat books!!!!

One of a kind!

Gillian Flynn needs to write more books. After reading Sharp Objects and Dark Places (a must read as well!) Flynn has entered my list of top authors. Her main characters are unique and interesting, the plots have great twists, her writing style is addictive...if you like suspense and and something a little disturbing, this is your book.

Great Read!

I loved this book! I was a little intimidated after reading some of the reviews of other readers saying that it was dark, but I decided to go ahead and try it out and I am SO happy that I did. I couldn't put it down. I guess Dark reads are right up my alley. Can't wait for more from this author.

A Stab into the reality of cutting disorders and Munchausen syndrome by proxy along with a story garaunteed to keep you awake!

I love a good mystery, but this delivered even more! A voyeuristic view into the happenings of a severely disfunctional family and the lengths to which they will go to stay together!
Totally thrilling! Couldn't put it down!

Defines Disturbing!(In a good way)

This book is so twisted and unbelievablly sick, and yet I could not stop reading it! Once you start, you can't stop. The story is so thick and heavy with mystery and suspense, that you can't push through and figure things out until the very end! I recommend this book to anyone that loves a good thriller, because this one is great!

Amazing & Disturbing

A disturbing story, but that one pushes you to turn each page and immerse yourself in the lives of all of the characters. This is one that you have to be prepared to read through several disturbing topics, but it is an unbelievably disturbing, and amazing good read. I could not put this down and finished it within a couple of days, and thought about if for quite some time afterwards.