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Book Review of Sharp Objects

Sharp Objects
perryfran avatar reviewed on + 1184 more book reviews


I decided to read this now because the HBO mini-series based on this novel is set to air in a week or so. I read Flynn's GONE GIRL a couple of years ago and really thought it was a good thriller. SHARP OBJECTS, her first novel is also a very compelling page-turner that I had a hard time putting down.

It's the story of Camille Preaker, a reporter working for a minor newspaper in Chicago, who is sent on assignment to her hometown in Missouri to investigate the murder and disappearance of two young girls. But for some reason Camille is reluctant to return to her home. She is a very troubled woman who in moments of anxiety cuts herself with "sharp objects" spelling out various words on most of her body. We soon find out why she is disturbed with a very domineering mother who never really loved or appreciated Camille. Her mother spent most of her affection on Camille's younger half-sister, Marian who died when she was a child. And then there's Camille's other young half-sister, 13-year old Amma, who leads a group of other young girls whose pastimes include bullying, drinking, and drugs.

This disturbing story kept me interested throughout although to me it was pretty obvious who the killer was. Overall, it was a very haunting story that I think will stick with me for awhile. I'll be looking forward to the HBO series to see how well they have presented the story.