A review by graco
The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Described as Dickensian because of the London setting and time period. Maybe it's more obvious because I was concurrently reading Dickens but the writing pales in comparison. I could definitely tell this was a debut novel --the pacing and writing were not particularly polished and the plotting seemed a little too obvious. The relationships were not explored with much depth, especially the sister's relationship. The reasons for their falling out didn't make a lot sense when they seemingly spent 24/7 together and could have just talked it out. Then, after YEARS of resentment they just immediately reconciled in a few short pages. Also weird use of disability in a very unoriginal "who would ever love me?" way for both sisters.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Murder

Moderate: Ableism