Review of Ophelia's Room

[Prisallen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ophelia's Room" by Michael Scott Garvin.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Delia Mull dealt with a lot growing up because of her father, Lloyd’s, unstable mental-health problems. Trying to help him forget his violent past and bring some degree of happiness, she invited him to come to Parsons to live, a decision that would forever haunt her. On September 12, 1968, Lloyd murdered Ophelia, Delia’s newborn baby girl. Delia and her husband, Charlie, are left to try to overcome their grief and move on.

A young woman named Betty moves to town to be the new schoolteacher. She possesses secrets of her own, and the townspeople, always suspicious of newcomers, are especially mistrustful of her. Why isn’t she married, and why does she choose to live in their small town? They avoid Betty at all costs. However, Delia, always a kind-hearted and empathetic person, befriends her. The townsfolk have not helped Delia much with her problems. They are always gossiping and whispering amongst themselves, secretly accusing Delia of causing her misfortune; after all, they reason, everyone knows how insane her old man is. Now, they think she is adding to her troubles by befriending Betty.

Meanwhile, Lloyd has been sentenced to life in prison and seems to be a model prisoner, consistently carrying a Bible and preaching to the other inmates. However, he is still secretly combating his mental illness and is patiently awaiting a chance to escape.

Ophelia’s Room by Michael Scott Garvin is a 454-page character-driven thriller. The author possesses an excellent ability to bring his characters to life and keep his readers enthralled until the suspenseful ending. He demonstrates a remarkable skill in depicting the small town of Parsons and its inhabitants who are mostly hard-working people who are loving when it comes to family and friends. However, they are also prejudiced, closed-minded, and difficult for newcomers to get to know. Mr. Garvin's prose is highly descriptive, and the dialogues are believable. The reader is enticed into the story right away with the murder of the infant and kept spellbound until the epilogue. Although there is some very graphic violence in the story, much of the suspense is psychological. This book includes some dark themes, but the author adds humor into the narrative and the dialogue intermittently to lighten the mood. I found myself chuckling at various times throughout the tale.

I can’t convey enough good things about the character development in this book. Even most of the minor characters’ backgrounds are meticulously fleshed out. Each has their strengths and flaws and is well known by the end of the novel. Delia has suffered a bleak life with a father who could go off into madness at a moment’s notice, but she is sweet and empathetic. However, she doesn’t always make good choices and is quite stubborn. Although frightened and suspicious of Lloyd, I also felt sadness for him after discovering the details of his childhood and his mental struggles.

As there was nothing about this book that I didn’t enjoy, Ophelia’s Room achieves a rating of four out of four stars. I have read a lot of good novels lately; however, this ranks up close to the top. Mr. Garvin has weaved an exceptional story, and if possible, I would gladly award it five stars. It is enthusiastically recommended to readers who enjoy suspenseful books with excellent characters. Sensitive people need to be aware that graphic violence and profanities are encountered in the story. Additionally, readers who have suffered from the loss of a child will most likely have a hard time with the novel and probably should look elsewhere.

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Ophelia's Room
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[markodim721]

I like the intensity of the tension that the author authentically conveyed to the pages of the book.

[Prisallen]

I like the intensity of the tension that the author authentically conveyed to the pages of the book.

It is an excellent novel. I hope you get a chance to read it!

[NetMassimo]

It's good that there's some humor in this novel considering that it digs into some dark sides of humans in a complex story that reveals those sides. Thank you for your great review!

[Prisallen]

It's good that there's some humor in this novel considering that it digs into some dark sides of humans in a complex story that reveals those sides. Thank you for your great review!

I agree! The author included enough to lighten the mood and keep it from becoming too depressing. He really did a marvelous job. Thanks for stopping by!

[Janet Kimetto]

Going on how much you loved this book, I'm adding it to my shelf. Thanks for the wonderful review!

[VictoriousReader]

I love the fact that Delia remained sweet and empathetic despite what she had been through. The violence in this book is a downside for me. Thanks for the detailed review.

[Priya_Singh]

I love to read such book which always keeps me on edge. Also it is really appreciable for author to put some humor in it. Thank you for the review. It is very informative and well structured.

[Prisallen]

Going on how much you loved this book, I'm adding it to my shelf. Thanks for the wonderful review!

I think you will be glad you did. Thanks for taking the time to read my review and comment!

[Prisallen]

I love the fact that Delia remained sweet and empathetic despite what she had been through. The violence in this book is a downside for me. Thanks for the detailed review.

I understand as it is quite violent in spots. I appreciate the comments, though!

[Prisallen]

I love to read such book which always keeps me on edge. Also it is really appreciable for author to put some humor in it. Thank you for the review. It is very informative and well structured.

I hope you get a chance to try it as I think it is a book you would enjoy. Thanks for the kind words!

[Ruchi Raina]

This book seems very intriguing. I can't imagine the pain Delia must have gone through; losing her child and that too at the hands of her father. Your review has piqued my interest, and I can't wait to read this book. Thanks for the amazing review.

[Prisallen]

This book seems very intriguing. I can't imagine the pain Delia must have gone through; losing her child and that too at the hands of her father. Your review has piqued my interest, and I can't wait to read this book. Thanks for the amazing review.

I'm sure you will enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by!