MaidMerry reviewed The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill
Review of 'The Lonely Hearts Hotel' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I was introduced to this book at a book festival event about adult fairytales. I'd say that's an apt categorization, if one is referring to the really grim (pun intended) sort of fairytale.
This is the tale of two orphans who have special talents and an enduring bond, both of which mostly survive, in spite of all the hardships, separations, abuse, criminality, and addictions they experience. There is a charm and innocence about the characters, in the midst of horrors, even when they, themselves, are perpetrating said horrors.
O'Neill is a talented writer, and her talent shines through in this novel. However, it's almost too in-your-face at times, with her overuse of similes, some of them jarring, and some of them planted for no apparent purpose, like roses in a parkade. (See what I did there?)
I found the writing style jarring, as well. The tone is objective, almost dispassionate, …
I was introduced to this book at a book festival event about adult fairytales. I'd say that's an apt categorization, if one is referring to the really grim (pun intended) sort of fairytale.
This is the tale of two orphans who have special talents and an enduring bond, both of which mostly survive, in spite of all the hardships, separations, abuse, criminality, and addictions they experience. There is a charm and innocence about the characters, in the midst of horrors, even when they, themselves, are perpetrating said horrors.
O'Neill is a talented writer, and her talent shines through in this novel. However, it's almost too in-your-face at times, with her overuse of similes, some of them jarring, and some of them planted for no apparent purpose, like roses in a parkade. (See what I did there?)
I found the writing style jarring, as well. The tone is objective, almost dispassionate, using short, choppy sentences that add to the fairytale vibe. This works well, but by about halfway through the book, I tired of it. Because of it, the story did not flow, and the book became put-downable.
That said, it's still a worthwhile read, as long as you aren't looking for happily ever after. This fantasy is definitely grounded in a gritty, backstreet reality.
