I think I have a new definition of the word "creepy," it would be: read this book, which is pretty much the creepiest book I think I may have ever read. It reminds me a bit of Daphne du Maurier and Shirley Jackson, though it straddles the line of the "horror" or "suspense" genre to good effect I think. My only problem with the book is that all the "doubles" don't really work. The twins and the brothers and sisters; the mothers who have lost children or are about to; the mother dealing with a fear of water; etc. Somehow it just seemed too obvious and I didn't buy it. Leigh is a true Gothic writer and I'd love to pick up The Hunter and check it out. Perhaps one of the most aptly titled books I've ever read, Disquiet kept me both engaged and confused. Julia Leigh sets scenes beautifully and knows just the right words to use to get the job done. But she also left me wanting more - more information about Olivia and the husband she's running from; more development about Marcus and his relationships with both his mistress and his wife; and more background story about the Grandmother, the matriarch of the family who is playing host to her children and their issues.(As a side note, the Grandmother's chateaux in the French countryside frequently tricked me into forgetting that this story is supposed to take place in modern day. But just as I'd forget, Leigh would reference television or a cell phone and I'd be back on course.)The situation is disturbing - a woman so desperate for a child that she carries her stillborn daughter with her around the house - and the family interactions so awkward that I can't help but want more. I suppose this lack of juicy backstory is to be expected with novellas, but it's not something I'm used to; nor do I think it's something I particularly like, as character development is what I live for. And these are some of the most captivating characters I've come across. With that said, Leigh was able to hold my attention without those details - and that speaks volumes for her skill as a storyteller.
I think I have a new definition of the word "creepy," it would be: read this book, which is pretty much the creepiest book I think I may have ever read. It reminds me a bit of Daphne du Maurier and Shirley Jackson, though it straddles the line of the "horror" or "suspense" genre to good effect I think. My only problem with the book is that all the "doubles" don't really work. The twins and the brothers and sisters; the mothers who have lost children or are about to; the mother dealing with a fear of water; etc. Somehow it just seemed too obvious and I didn't buy it. Leigh is a true Gothic writer and I'd love to pick up The Hunter and check it out.
—compaSteven
The title of this book is perfect, it certainly gives the reader a feeling of "disquiet," not only through the sad and incomplete stories, but its eerie imagery. The main character never gets a name beyond "woman," but there is not more you need to know about her. In some ways it is a story about learning to let go, about setting pain and sorrow aside. We are left with agglomeration of hope at the end that the characters will be able to move on with their lives after this period of disquiet.
—DAIIIA
Very atmospheric, moody story. Loved the spare writing.
—jami_emy
