a nearly normal family Review

In 'A Nearly Normal Family', Edvardsson nails the suspense. Characters shine, but plot gets a bit bumpy. Pacing keeps you hooked, though it drags sometimes. Fresh, yet repetitive. Worth a read!
  • Character Development
  • Plot Twists
  • Pacing
  • Writing Style
3.6/5Overall Score

'A Nearly Normal Family': Strong characters, smart twists, mixed pacing, fresh writing with some repetition. Worth reading with balanced expectations.

Specs
  • Year released: 2019
  • Author: M.T. Edvardsson
  • Genre: Psychological Thriller
  • Pages: 400
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Publisher: Celadon Books
  • Original Language: Swedish
  • ISBN: 978-1250204431
  • Goodreads Rating: 3.79
Pros
  • Gripping storyline
  • Relatable characters
  • Unexpected twists
  • Fast-paced narrative
Cons
  • Pacing felt a bit slow
  • Characters sometimes annoying
  • Ending a bit predictable
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Hey there, bookworms! Buckle up, as today we’re looking at ‘A Nearly Normal Family’. This review shares my thoughts on character development, plot twists, pacing, and writing style. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be a rollercoaster!

Book Review of ‘A Nearly Normal Family’

In a Nutshell

‘A Nearly Normal Family’ by author M.T. Edvardsson is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the unsettling dynamics of a seemingly perfect family. The book is set in Sweden and centers around a murder trial that throws the Sandell family into chaos. Written from three perspectives – the father, the mother, and the daughter – the story explores themes of truth, loyalty, and the lengths parents will go to protect their children. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and moral dilemmas that’ll keep you hooked till the end. Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers and courtroom dramas.

Character Development in ‘A Nearly Normal Family’

Characters, oh characters! ‘A Nearly Normal Family’ by M.T. Edvardsson hits character development out of the park. You think you know these folks, then BAM! They evolve faster than I change my socks.

The story revolves around the Sandell family. First, you meet Adam, the pastor dad who seems to have the patience of a saint. Then there’s Ulrika, the lawyer mom who could argue her way out of a paper bag. And don’t forget Stella, the teenage daughter who could out-angst a 90s grunge band. Each of them starts out with a label—Pastor, Lawyer, Teen—but as the story progresses, they shed these labels like a snake sheds its skin.

Why is this so good? Because you feel the struggle and growth of each character. Adam isn’t just a religious man; he questions his faith deeply. Ulrika isn’t just a fierce lawyer; she’s a mom willing to bend or break the law for her child. Stella isn’t just a rebellious teen; she’s a young woman trying to find her place. The book throws them into moral dilemmas that make them wrestle with their beliefs and change in unpredictable ways.

But hey, let’s not sugarcoat it. There are still moments when the characters feel a bit too scripted. Some actions seem to come out of nowhere. It reminds me of when my mate Dave suddenly decided to become a vegan—totally out of the blue! But overall, the strong character arcs outweigh these small hiccups.

Ready to get your mind blown? Buckle up, because next we’ll talk about the jaw-dropping plot twists!

Unraveling the Twists in ‘A Nearly Normal Family’

Alright, let’s talk plot twists! If you’re anything like me, a good plot twist is like finding a hidden stash of candy. ‘A Nearly Normal Family’ has its fair share of surprises, and then some.

I remember reading late at night, and BAM! A twist hits me so hard I nearly spilled my tea. The best part? These twists keep you guessing. ‘A Nearly Normal Family Reviews’ highlights how the author masterfully keeps you on your toes. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the narrative throws you a curveball.

Now, let’s talk about what makes these twists so effective. For one, the author doesn’t just throw in surprises for the sake of it. Each twist has a purpose and adds to the story. It’s like the book is a jigsaw puzzle, and every twist is another piece falling into place. This keeps the suspense alive and makes the book hard to put down.

But, and here’s a small ‘but,’ not every twist is perfect. Some felt a bit forced or too convenient. It’s like that one friend who tries too hard to be funny at a party. Still, these moments are few and far between. Most of the twists are clever and contribute to the overall narrative.

I told my friend Bob about the book, and even he was hooked. Trust me, Bob’s a tough crowd! He usually prefers predictable stories, but ‘A Nearly Normal Family’ managed to impress him with its unexpected turns.

Next up, we’ll explore the pacing of the book. Buckle up because it’s a rollercoaster ride!

Pacing in ‘A Nearly Normal Family’

Oh, the pacing in A Nearly Normal Family! You know those books where you start off leisurely, sipping coffee, and before you know it you’re chugging Red Bull at 3 AM? This book is that caffeine rush. Author M.T. Edvardsson has done a superb job with the pacing, mostly. The story alternates between fast-paced court drama and slower, introspective family moments, creating a rollercoaster of emotions.

During my reading, I found myself on the edge of my seat during the courtroom scenes, flipping pages faster than a DJ spins records. The tension builds up nicely, making you want to shout, ‘Tell me what happens next!’ But there are also parts where the pace slows down a bit more than necessary, like that time I got stuck in a never-ending work meeting.

These slower sections aren’t all bad; they offer a deeper look into the characters’ lives. However, they sometimes feel like hitting a speed bump in a car chase. Just when you think you’re getting to the good stuff, you have to wade through some heavy introspection. It’s like mixing Vegemite with Nutella – each is great, but together, not so much.

Still, the overall pacing keeps you hooked. Given the emotional depth and intense moments, it’s easy to forgive the occasional lull. Join me next as I explore the writing style – it’s like examining the brush strokes in a painting!

Writing Style in ‘A Nearly Normal Family Reviews’

‘A Nearly Normal Family Reviews’ by M.T. Edvardsson is like a rollercoaster. You know the kind that makes you scream, laugh, and maybe question your life choices a bit? Yeah, that one! The way Edvardsson writes pulls you in, making you feel part of the Sandell family’s drama. It’s almost like you’re sitting in their living room, munching on popcorn and watching the mayhem unfold.

The narrative is split into three parts, each from a different family member’s point of view. It’s like getting gossip from three friends who all saw the same thing, but each has their own twist on it. First, there’s the dad, Adam. He’s a pastor, and his voice feels like he’s giving a sermon mixed with a confession. Then you get the mom, Ulrika. Her voice is more logical but with a sprinkle of sass – imagine a lawyer with a sense of humor! Lastly, there’s Stella, the daughter. She’s got that rebellious teen vibe down pat. While the changing perspectives keep things fresh, it can sometimes feel a bit jarring, like hopping from one TV channel to another without warning.

Edvardsson’s simple yet effective language is one of the book’s strengths. It’s not bogged down with fancy words or convoluted sentences. Bless his heart for that! However, some parts feel repetitive, as if he’s hammering the same point home hoping you didn’t miss it the first time. This might bug a few readers, but for me, it was like being gently nudged by a friend who’s really into the story.

So, would I recommend this? Oh, absolutely. But with a tiny warning: brace yourself for some narrative whiplash!

Conclusion

So, folks, that’s the scoop on ‘A Nearly Normal Family’. The characters are rich and complicated, even if they occasionally trip over their own arcs. The plot twists are smart, though sometimes a bit forced. The pacing keeps you hooked, despite a few slow patches. Lastly, the writing style is fresh, with just a sprinkle of repetition. All in all, it’s a thrilling ride worth taking, with a few bumps on the way. This concludes our review. Grab a copy, but remember to keep your expectations balanced. Cheers!

3.6/5Overall Score
Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!