Sharp Objects: A Novel
by Gillian Flynn
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Book Summary Information
Author: Gillian FlynnEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-07-31
ISBN: 0307341550
Number of pages: 272
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Book Reviews of Sharp Objects: A Novel
Book Review: A Murder and Mayhem Bookclub review
Summary: 4 Stars
Wind Gap, Missouri; not a town to draw the attention of a big city newspaper. The story of the abduction and murder of two young girls from Camille Preaker's home town isn't enough to wish her back there in her wildest dreams but unfortunately, her boss thinks otherwise. The Chicago Daily Post needs a headline piece, badly, that is going to come out of the corner and kill the masses. Editor Frank Curry has always had a strange kind of faith in his favourite reporter. Camille is sure it's entirely misplaced but as she wants to please the man who was there for her in a dark time, she heads back to where her screwed up little life all began.
The abattoir and processing factory that still largely supports Wind Gap unfairly hasn't left a porcine stink on it's owner, Camille's genteel mother Adora, a whimsical and earnest person who was only ever happy when her children desperately needed her. Camille feels it should have, as should have the circumstances of her birth with there still being a big fat question mark as to the identity of her father. Adora still reigns, over her house, her family, and her town. Camille's half sister is disturbingly like her mother in some ways, and reminds her of her own self in others. The thirteen year old Amma dominates her fearsome little group of four like little blondes and is doing a damn fine job of doing the same to the residents of Wind Gap. Finding it hard not to get sucked back into old, dark habits, Camille cozies up a little too much to the Kansas hot shot cop sent in to help out the police in the little backwater. It seems her new partner has already made up his mind on this one, along with most of the town, that only a newcomer to Wind Gap could be evil enough to inflict so much on innocents who little deserved it.
SHARP OBJECTS: a nasty little piece in the most delightful way. Where would the creepiest thrillers go without turning to dysfunctional families that make our own look pretty good? Okay, so writer Gillian Flynn all but bludgeons us about the head in pointing out the villain of the hour, very EARLY in the hour. This seems to be the main complaint with this read; otherwise, it is very difficult to find anything to criticize in this polished debut novel.
How refreshing to have the investigating protagonist not always operating from the moral high ground. We mystery readers like our heroes somewhat brooding and damaged and the package here is the modern woman's version of just that. With so much to hide of her own self and with not wanting to confront what's left behind, Camille Preaker's viewpoint of the proceedings is completely immersed in the swamp that is her own family. The incestuous small town of Camille's childhood and its people are all in the murk with her. The heavy, oppressive air that permeates this read is almost a tangible thing and if you're looking for hope and redemption with your mystery, you'd best look elsewhere than at this disturbing thriller. SHARP OBJECTS pleases in an almost visceral way and revolts as it reveals; strange to think that one novel can do both. Gillian Flynn has achieved much with SHARP OBJECTS and as much as it is a first attempt on the market, it is also quite the attack.
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