Alex Kroot's Reviews > Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

** spoiler alert ** My review is going to be harsh but man I struggled with this. It ended kinda cutely but I took these notes as I went to keep myself honest...

In the first 20 pages I was hooked - I thought it was well and relatably written and I thought the main character was so fun and unique. But by page 150 I found the writing pandering and simplistic, the dialogue stale and fake (especially the child's), and the main character to be beyond obnoxious and unrealistic (most unrealistic point is how other characters placate and embrace this insane, pushy, offputting woman. Food and tea would not be enough). I think it's supposed to be charming but it fell flat for me. In fact, all the characters are unrealistic and honestly unhinged (both their own actions and their willingness to so quickly bring this insane woman into their lives). It's not a YA but kind of reads like one in how.... rudimentary it is. Closest I've been to DNF in a while. I powered through the second half just to get it over with.

And then just as I almost start feeling bad for Vera at the end...it wraps up with everyone forgiving her just because she threw a fit, fell into depression at being held accountable for her own actions, and stopped eating/drinking? Jeez.

Anyway. Glad so many other people seemed to enjoy it. But not for me.