Graeme Macrae Burnet

This was an interesting one. When I first heard about this book, I was drawn to its unusual format and premise. Essentially, it's a number of (fictional) documents all relating to a 19th century murder case in the Scottish Highlands. That and I heard that it was supposed to be extremely scary. Except that I made the last bit up—I think I got confused with something else (and I still have no idea what). So I dived into it thinking, Yes, something scary for October! And it wasn't that at all, which made it feel quite slow. BUT, once I was about halfway through, my initial reaction didn't matter anymore. I went from not being quite sure about it to being totally absorbed, and I now understand why it made the 2016 Man Booker shortlist. Burnet has created an astonishingly realistic account (at least to me, in my limited knowledge of its subject and setting) and I have become very invested in it. Please read so we can discuss.… (meer)

i'd wanted to read this because it hits some points of interest for me - 1960s, r.d. laing, history of psychotherapy. on that front i will say it absolutely delivered. i thought the writing was compelling and the book was an easy read, took me a matter of days. this book's greatest strength is the character work, which is multi-faceted and intelligent, and points to a great deal of thought.

HOWEVER, as for some ** SPOILERS **, i found the ending super unsatisfying. i love a good twist and i figured from reviews that there was one coming, but i'd also hoped for at least some clarity as to how the "story" relates to "reality" (in-universe). instead we get an open, ~how much is really real?~ ending, which i can't really be bothered with. i understand the thought process behind it and obviously don't mind a bit of ambiguity, but i prefer a book that can commit to its own truth. though i guess that's the point? lol… (meer)