Books Babbling 3: "The only question is whether you're keeping your own, or someone else's."

Title: The Cousins

Author: Karen M. McManus

Main topics: Family relationship, betrayal, murder, revenge, trust.

Genre: Fiction, Thriller, YA mystery, Romance

Personal rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.0)

Summary:

Three cousins who barely knew each other are called to come to the Gull Cove Island, the homeland of their disinherited parents. The reason they knew none, but something was clearly wrong as soon as they reached the island. Determined to find out the whats and whys, Milly, Aubery and Jonah went through unexplainable events in the island and the truth behind 'You know what you did' was discovered. There were impostsers among themselves, and chaos ensued.

Review:

This is gonna be all over the place so let me just start with the things I like in the book.

First and foremost, the main theme. This book discussed a very fucked up family with tons of secrets and lies. I applauded the author for keeping the main theme in line: family relationship. I don't really mind the tidbits of romance between the characters. I mean, come on this is a YA book. They are 18 years old, what do we expect? What I am grateful of is the fact that the romance does not overshadow the mystery theme in the book. The balance is harmonious and I very much appreciate that.

Second: the twists. Plural. Something about this book is so obvious and so secretive at the same time. It is alomst like a freshly baked bread put right under your nose. Its whole existance is there, obviously, but somehow I cannot see it. It's random and somehow out of place but I'm personally fine with it. I don't know, maybe it is just me. My deduction skill is subpar, and I have the attention span of a goldfish with Alzheimer. If you are following, then you are follwoing. The song that Archer sang, Mildred wearing full glove despite it's scorching hot, how the families are related to one another, the dates of newspaper articles - everything. If you are picking this book up, I suggest you follow the events and pay attention to the smallest details. Connect the dots, and you'll be there.

I'm fine with the diction overall.

Now, let's move on to what I dislike about the book. Oh lord.

I'll begin with the characters. This irks me to no end and do hear me out. I appreciate that the characters are so well-designed and none of them appear all perfect. But they are all so fucked up and unbalanced. Call me judgemental but I don't get it why the author wants to confuse the readers with so similar the names. The parents' names all start with A and oh my god I'm confused who is whose child. The servants ganging up against their master to get revenge, stole all the money and enjoyed the rest of their lives in a mansion? That's sick. Literally sick.

I have deep respect for Milly and her keen observation, but I reckon she's too engrossed in getting the attention of someone who turned out to be the imposter of her grandmother (wow major spoiler). I don't put the whole blame on her, but come on, girl. Aubery, too. She just wanted someone to recognize her for her true talent. But for the life of me none of their doings in the story is worth it. They found out the true reason behind the disinheritance. Then what? The Story is just as screwed up as the book in this matter.

The cousins (let's include Jonah here), I guess are the pretty decent teen representations in the real world. Rebellious, hot-headed, bitchy 'queen-like' attitude that people are so absorbed in these days. I think it is the common pattern of characters designing in this era. Even so, I don't really find them appealing in this book. Maybe if we include some conscience and wise judgement, it will be quite alright. That's okay. We can't expect a character so perfect inside out.

And I don't reckon this book worth to be called a thriller. Quite bland, if that's the right word to present it. Also, what's with the multiple povs?

Favourite characters: Aubery, maybe. Because the others are just unappealing and too overbearing for me. She's the only one with the decent amount of careful thoughts and whose vulnerability I can attest to the most.

Favourite moments: The ending scene when the whole mansion is set on fire. I think that is the only moment that has my whole interest and attention.

Give it a shot, everyone. Seriously. Do not let my writings influence you as much until you read it yourself. I hope my diction is alright. Maybe you have different insight and come rant at me later.

Swalk,

𝔣𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔦𝔩𝔶𝔞𝔫𝔞💜