Published: July 8th, 2013 (Flux)
Pages: 331
Rating: 4/5
Source: NetGalley
Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions . . . she sees them in human form. Longing hovers around the shy, adoring boy at school. Courage materializes beside her dying friend. Fury and Resentment visit her abusive home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, except beautiful Fear, who sometimes torments her and other times plays her compassionate savior. He’s obsessed with finding the answer to one question: What happened to Elizabeth to make her this way?
They both sense that the key to Elizabeth’s condition is somehow connected to the paintings of her dreams, which show visions of death and grief that raise more questions than answers. But as a shadowy menace begins to stalk her, Elizabeth’s very survival depends on discovering the truth about herself. When it matters most, she may not be able to rely on Fear to save her. (Description from Goodreads)
I heard about this book through the lovely Gabrielle
Carolina of Mod Podge Bookshelf, and promoted it a couple times this past year.
If you know me at all, you know I don’t really go for the
paranormal/supernatural stuff these days, but I decided to take a chance with
Some Quiet Place. And I really liked the cover. Ok, that was probably the main
reason I wanted to read the book. But have you read the summary (above)?!
Hellooo! I fell in love with the idea of the MC having the ability to
physically interact with abstract emotions (gosh, I sound like such an art
major…I’m totally not an art major). This book seemed dark and intriguing and
vague all at the same time, and I had
to find out what it was all about.
Just a heads up, I read this several months ago, when it was
first released, so correct me if I get any plot details mixed up. My first impression of
this book was that the plot was somewhat slow. I felt like it was taking a
while for it to get anywhere. This may have been a result of something else: it
was difficult (at times) to connect with Elizabeth, as she’s void of emotions.
I mean…all I have to say is kudos to Kelsey for taking on the task of
developing a character who can’t feel emotions. Bravo! You are brave stuff, Ms.
Sutton. Connecting with Elizabeth wasn’t such a huge problem that I had to stop
reading or anything like that, but it was a little irksome in the beginning.
Let me just stop right now and say that this book, this book
right here, would make a FANTASTIC movie. I would go see it on opening night,
which is saying a lot, because I’m not really an opening night-type girl.
Hollywood has a tendency to either ace or botch paranormal movies, but as long
as they did it right, Some Quiet Place could be incredible on screen. It’s
beautifully written and hauntingly dark, and I nearly fell out of my chair when
I realized that this is Kelsey’s debut novel. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, debut. As in, first. As in, she’s never
published before. Let me have your writing talent, please and thank you.
So if you’re like me and aren’t normally drawn to this
genre, please please please give Some Quiet Place a chance. I think that any
book that deals skillfully in the topics of human emotions will hold many
parallels to how we naturally react, and the same is true for Some Quiet Place.
There’s also a bit of beautiful symbolism written in, which is something I
always enjoy. It’s an unforgettable
debut, one that will intrigue you yet trouble you in the eerie little corners
of your mind.
I was super impressed with the writing in this book too. I could not believe it was her first book. I thought the whole concept of seeing emotions was so unique and new!
ReplyDeleteAshley @ The Quiet Concert