There are some things I saw done very well in Giarratano’s new novel, The Telling. Her first mark comes for characterization as she successfully builds and maintains several very authentic, interesting voices. Each with a story that is a little like a crocheted doily in how the pattern touches at the right time in the right places.
The second comes from the settings which are engaging and rich. It was like a breath of fresh air and I enjoyed the exposure to her take on the Roma families and the juvenile detention center – both of which were a very welcome break from the now very familiar middle American setting that many books take place in.
I should mention that the format that I read it in was different to how I receive most ARCs, making reading difficult and frustrating. It probably interfered somewhat with my ability to relate and engage with the story and contributed to me giving up and being unable to finish reading the novel.
Where the story fell apart for me was its painstakingly slow start. The story seems to feel no rush and rambles on, sometimes seemingly aimlessly. You can kind of excuse Bronte for taking more than three chapters to get to the point. The setup felt worth it for the creepy atmosphere. The waffling and slow beginning seemed to fit. But often, while reading Disharmony, I wondered what the actual point of several of the first chapters were. Certainly we were introduced to the characters and settings and early story – but the important parts seemed steeped in superfluous scenes that bogged down the story. Understandably, this could all be explained later and be a brilliant setup to a most amazing story – but if the audience stops caring and reading, is it worth it? I guess I’ll never know.
Addie R
That’s a shame this book disappointed with that intrguing synopsis. Sorry you didn’t like it :/
Kara_M
I agree with Addie. It sounds like such an interesting premise. Too bad it took too long to get to the point. One of the most important things you have to do as a writer is hook your audience from the very beginning. I have a feeling I would get irritated with this book as well.
ktienh
It was a very slow book however I found the last 60 pages of explosive action made it up for me (I rated it 4 stars). Plus, I found the vastly different backgrounds / settings of each character fascinating (especially the Romania / Gypsy bits). Am finding that I’m enjoying this type of “slow” book lately, maybe am just growing old and slowing down with age! LOL
Sarah saz101
Yeah, I downloaded this from Net Galley, but I read galleys on my phone, and this just wasn’t readable–so that was a big interference to my enjoyment, given I couldn’t get farther than 2 chapters, but… uh… seriously…
It’s a shame! I keep hearing the same thing–that it takes forever to get to the point, and it seems like more setup than actual story… oh well. Can’t all be winners, right? 🙂