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A review by baknata
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
To start off with one of my highlights of this book, I really enjoyed the incorporation of sign language in this book. The main character, Olivia, is mute and generally either communicates in sign or by writing. It is a really interesting element in the story and offers the reader a really intimate insight into Olivia. The story is told from a third person limited point of view, which means the reader knows what she is thinking even when other characters can't understand her way of communication. I also really enjoyed the way that the small cast of characters allowed us to really get to know each of them well. All of the characters had really distinct personalities and stories that made a strong impact on the plot. I also enjoyed the pace at which the mystery unfolded. It didn't wait until the very end to reveal everything, which was preferable for me.
One thing I didn't like, which is mostly a me thing and not necessarily a fault of the book, was that Olivia was not nearly as inquisitive as I wanted her to be. I understand that some of this is because the book has to have a whole plot and not just be a hundred pages long, but I was not a fan. There were a few too many instances were Olivia would witness some sketchy things or strange behavior from the others and not like act upon it. She never told the others about what she knew and it took her a while to even explain her life before coming to Gallant. considering the circumstances, it just seemed rediculous. I mean if I were someone who finally got out of a terrible living situation only to be told I was going to be sent back there because the people in my new living situation didn't realize I existed, I would tell them it wasn't a safe place, not just sulk. I get she's a young girl, but it was still a bit much for me. Also, the secret was sort of anticlimatic for me. Like, when she did go through the door and whatnot, the other side was interesting and spooky. But it wasn't as scary or dramatic as I was expecting it to be from the build up. I mean for a secret that you refuse to tell this new cousin of yours that is almost definitely life threatening, it wasn't like that gut punch I was expecting.
Overall, it was a good book, but I was just waiting for it to be over, I wasn't anxious to keep reading it.
One thing I didn't like, which is mostly a me thing and not necessarily a fault of the book, was that Olivia was not nearly as inquisitive as I wanted her to be. I understand that some of this is because the book has to have a whole plot and not just be a hundred pages long, but I was not a fan. There were a few too many instances were Olivia would witness some sketchy things or strange behavior from the others and not like act upon it. She never told the others about what she knew and it took her a while to even explain her life before coming to Gallant. considering the circumstances, it just seemed rediculous. I mean if I were someone who finally got out of a terrible living situation only to be told I was going to be sent back there because the people in my new living situation didn't realize I existed, I would tell them it wasn't a safe place, not just sulk. I get she's a young girl, but it was still a bit much for me. Also, the secret was sort of anticlimatic for me.
Overall, it was a good book, but I was just waiting for it to be over, I wasn't anxious to keep reading it.