**Niffenegger seems to be a talented writer, but I admit I was a little disappointed by this book.
Reason?
Well, maybe I went into it with the wrong expectations. I thought Her Fearful Symmetry was going to be spooky, creepy, strange- but it was hardly that at all.
There were parts that I went, ooh that sounds creepy! But then it was not expanded upon or the creepiness was dialed back in the next chapter instead of built upon. The only truly creepy thing that happened was at the end of the book and then even THAT was then written about like it was practically normal.
I don't understand how the reviews all over the cover of the book could have gotten this story confused with a story that is actually a story about a haunting. There was hardly anything "chilling" or "addictive" or FEARFUL about it. Niffenegger is very good with character descriptions and maybe I would have liked it better if the expectations were not that I was going to be "chilled" and spooked, but that I was going to learn about the family dynamics and character development.
What did you think of Her Fearful Symmetry? Did you enjoy the book? Did it disappoint you? Do you think I have it all wrong and missed something entirely?
21 Witty Remarks:
I actually really liked this one. I wasn't expecting a ghost story, but I liked the ghosts in this one -more character than ghost. I know a lot of her fans were disappointed by Her Fearful Symmetry, but it worked for me.
I loathed this book! And yet I loved TTTW. So maybe that's part of why I hated this one so much: high expectations, and all!
I haven't read this one yet. I have a copy and I intended to read it but I never got around to it yet. I hated TTTW it really wasn't my type of book. I've read many mixed reviews on this one.
I was disappointed too. Parts were a little wierd but nothing scary.
I was disappointed with this one too, simply because I didn't like the characters or their choices!
I will still read her next book on the basis of the fondness that I feel for Time Traveller's Wife!
Totally disappointed in this book!!
I was disappointed in it as well, although I think I may have liked it more than you did. I can't remember exactly what my issues were-- I think I liked the creepiness, but had a problem with some of the people issues side of the book.
I still haven't read this one yet. It's been on my wishlist so maybe someday.
I still haven't read a book by this author yet, although I feel I ought to - but it sounds as though The Time-Traveller's Wife would be a better one to start with.
I have not read this one yet. I loved The Time Traveller's Wife so much that I've been a bit hesitant to try this one. Some day, some day... :)
I have no interest in reading any of Niffenegger's books, but yeah, with a book about a haunting that has "fearful" in the title, you'd expect at least a little creepiness.
That's too bad because I loved The Time Traveler's Wife. Thanks for the warning.
I'm in the minority - liked this one a lot! Had not read TTTW so had no preconceived expectations and I listened to it on audio which was a real plus because the narratro was enchanting.
here's my review: http://myroundfile.blogspot.com/2010/12/her-fearful-symmetry-by-audrey.html
We read it as a book club and I really struggled with it and finally gave up. I could not connect at all.
I'm with you on this one. I felt utterly disappointed with this book, as did the other 3 women in my bookclub. None of us found this to be creepy or haunting. I was so excited for this book too, since I love all of her other work, TTTW, her short stories, The Adventuress etc...
Bummer! I've read this opinion quite a lot on the blogs and that's part of the reason I haven't read it yet! Maybe if I find it deeply discounted. :D
I could not get into this one. I ended up putting it down not even halfway through it. Honestly, the sister relationship was a bit weird for me. Their close-ness was just too much! Plus, beyond that, I didn't connect with any characters or with the plot either. And the ghost aspect was not creepy - just plain weird!
I didn't like this book at all. It was way overhyped
I couldn't get through the prologue -- or first chapter, if that's what it was. So, it's not spooky? Darn. I was definitely hoping for spooky.
Sorry to hear Her Fearful Symmetry was a dissapointment to you. I'm reading it just now. I'm halfway through and enjoying the story very much. For me the fact that it's not a typical spooky story is a plus. :)
I was so looking forward to read this one! Now I don´t know, I am affraid I would also be disappointed...
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