Remy Rose reviewed Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Review of 'Bird Box' on 'Storygraph'
2 stars
I think this author shows some promise. However, in the future, when he is more experienced and probably has critically acclaimed titles under his belt, I think people will look back on Bird Box as practice. The acknowledgements make it clear that the book has already been put through its paces by various editors, but it’s just not nearly there yet. In particular, there’s something off about the climaxes. Each one is a letdown. I imagined the author, at each crescendo, earnestly anticipating my surprise and rapture when his twist is revealed, and disappointed by my disappointment.
There are a number of representative cases, but here’s my example. The entire story revolves around keeping your eyes closed despite the yearning to see, the horror of things close but unseen. In this, the author excels; it’s spooky stuff, to be sure. And as one might imagine, characters may at last, in …
I think this author shows some promise. However, in the future, when he is more experienced and probably has critically acclaimed titles under his belt, I think people will look back on Bird Box as practice. The acknowledgements make it clear that the book has already been put through its paces by various editors, but it’s just not nearly there yet. In particular, there’s something off about the climaxes. Each one is a letdown. I imagined the author, at each crescendo, earnestly anticipating my surprise and rapture when his twist is revealed, and disappointed by my disappointment.
There are a number of representative cases, but here’s my example. The entire story revolves around keeping your eyes closed despite the yearning to see, the horror of things close but unseen. In this, the author excels; it’s spooky stuff, to be sure. And as one might imagine, characters may at last, in sheer desperation, mayhem all around, finally, take one anxious peek. With build up like this, the reader can be forgiven for expecting what comes next to be absolutely riveting. Unfortunately, it never is.