Little Eve

I found this book an exciting engrossing read I loved the concept of a cult like commune on a remote Scottish island .The setting added an additional gothic horror element to the story which was at once both highly visual and super spooky .The isolation and claustrophobia of being imprisoned in this setting was a fantastic element to the bookThe characters were well padded out and believable although I did struggle a bit with following which girl was which particularly at the end ,I suspect this confusion was deliberately planned by the author rather that due to a lack of concentration on my partSetting the novel mid 20th century allowed the isolation to be more complete whilst at the same time allowing train travel whilst no mobile phones makes the story more claustrophobicThe element of fantasy initially seemed a bit out of place but as this was described in more detail it was integral to the cult leaders eccentricity .I liked he way the book flies back and forward between time periods it made me a bit confused at times but I loved the way the story emerged using this methodIf you like a gothic horror this would be the book for you but I’d recommend for those who like a thriller or mystery too as the book isn’t too horrific and is exciting and entertainingI

The mysterious story of 'Little Eve' is told through multiple viewpoints and timelines. Eve is one of the children who live with 'Uncle' on an isolated isle. Dinah is her 'sister' and there is also, Abel. Nora, Alice and Elizabeth, all of whom seem to be completely under Uncle's power and control and live a frugal and harsh life under his rule. The story begins with a character from the local village discovering that everyone on the isle has been murdered except Dinah. Eve is the suspect, but the as the story unravels we begin to question everything. A haunting story that will stay with me for some time, the atmosphere was harrowing and brooding, the characters meticulously drawn and the guessing game as to who murdered who keeps you going until the very end. Superb writing that draws you right in. Fans of Shirley Jackson would enjoy this book.

This is an instant cult classic tale that will unnerve, mesmerise and delight...I haven't been as gripped and wonderfully wrecked by a novel since 'The Girl With All The Gifts' and this deserves to be as widely acclaimed (and turned into a cool film)!?Catriona's writing is a force of gothic creativity that you need to engage with - Little Eve has the feel of early Iain Banks...Loved every minute and looking forward to reading more!

I was hooked from the language of the opening paragraph. I knew I was about to read something special and I wasn’t disappointed. The characters were beautifully wrought and the tale was handled so deftly, so lightly. This book and it’s unreliable narrator will stay with me for a long time. I cried at the end. Thank you, Ms. Ward.

Wow what can I say.This an amazing book.It is Catriona Ward's 2nd novel.She is a superb story teller and her use of language is a joy.Her first book is Rawblood is also an excellent read .

A story about lies and secret on a secluded island in Scotland, with a murder at its core which harbours its own secret too. Loved the beautiful writing and the layered story. I've also read The Last House on Needless Street and I am looking forward to Catriona Ward's next book.

Catriona Ward is a magnificent writer whose dark, existential worlds are genuinely terrifying. Literary horror at its best.

I enjoyed the book, a good buy.