A Small Affair by Flora Collins
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Small Affair in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Flora Collins’ novel A Small Affair” aims to be a psychological thriller, but ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling and engaging narrative. Despite its promising premise, the book is plagued by several issues that detract from its potential impact.
The Details
While the premise holds promise, the execution is disappointing. The pacing is uneven. The story drags in many parts, making it difficult to stay engaged. Key revelations and twists feel forced and lack the element of surprise necessary for a successful thriller.
One of the major weaknesses of the novel is the shallow character development. Vera, the protagonist, is difficult to sympathize with due to her inconsistent and often inexplicable behavior. Her motivations are not well-articulated, and her character arc feels unearned and artificial. Instead of coming across as complex and multi-dimensional, she appears as a stereotypical ambitious professional without much depth.
Collins’ writing style is another area where the book falters. The prose is often overwrought and filled with clichés, detracting from the suspense and atmosphere the author tries to build. Descriptive passages are overly detailed to the point of tedium, while dialogue feels stilted and unnatural. The lack of a distinct and engaging narrative voice makes it challenging to stay invested in the story.
The Verdict
Overall, A Small Affair by Flora Collins is a novel that had the potential to be a gripping psychological thriller but fails to deliver on multiple fronts. With its uneven pacing, shallow character development, and clichéd themes, the book struggles to maintain the reader’s interest.
