Book Review Summary: Ariel

Introduction

Ariel, written by Lawrence Block, is a captivating and unsettling novel that explores the darker aspects of human nature. The story revolves around Ariel Jardell, a 12-year-old girl who is believed to be possessed by jealousy and bizarre forces. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where good and evil collide, and sanity and insanity become blurred. With its compelling characters and suspenseful plot, Ariel offers a unique reading experience that challenges conventional notions of horror and leaves a lasting impression on readers.

About Lawrence Block

Lawrence Block, the author of Ariel, is a renowned crime, mystery, and suspense fiction writer. With over 100 books to his name, Block has established himself as a master of the genre. Born in Buffalo, New York, Block attended Antioch College but left before completing his studies. He began his writing career pseudonymously in the mid-century erotica field, sharing his apprenticeship with fellow authors Donald E. Westlake and Robert Silverberg. Over the years, Block has published numerous short stories and series characters such as Matthew Scudder, Bernie Rhodenbarr, Evan Tanner, and Keller.

Analysis of Views

1. Subtle Horror: Readers praise Block for his ability to evoke horror through his characters' perspectives. The subtlety with which he weaves the horror elements into the story keeps readers engaged and creates a sense of unease.

2. Realistic Lead Character: Ariel's lead character, Ariel Jardell, is described as realistic and ghost-like. Her childhood experiences and struggles with jealousy add depth to her characterization, making her relatable and compelling.

3. Suspenseful Plot: The story's suspenseful plot keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The slow-building tension and unexpected twists keep readers guessing until the very end.

4. Diverse Range: Readers appreciate Block's ability to explore different genres beyond crime fiction. Ariel showcases his versatility as an author, expanding beyond his typical crime series to delve into the realm of horror and the supernatural.

5. Character-Driven Story: The book focuses more on character development than plot, allowing readers to delve deep into each character's motivations and emotions. This approach adds complexity to the story and keeps readers invested in the characters' journeys.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Unique Storytelling: Readers recommend Ariel for its unique storytelling approach. Block's subtle evocation of horror and his ability to create a sense of unease through character perspectives make this book stand out from other horror novels.

2. Compelling Lead Character: Ariel's lead character, Ariel Jardell, is praised for her realism and ghost-like qualities. Readers find her childhood experiences relatable and her struggles with jealousy intriguing, making her a compelling protagonist.

3. Suspenseful Plot: The suspenseful plot keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The slow-building tension and unexpected twists keep readers on the edge of their seats, making Ariel a thrilling read.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Lack of Closure: Some readers felt that the book lacked closure or suspense, leaving them unsatisfied with the ending. They felt that there were no real answers or resolutions to the events that unfolded throughout the story.

2. Maturity of Characters: A few readers found that the children in the story talked and acted like high school teenagers rather than 12-year-olds. This discrepancy in age may have affected their perception of the characters' behavior and credibility.

Conclusion

Ariel by Lawrence Block is a captivating novel that explores the darker aspects of human nature through its compelling lead character, Ariel Jardell. With its unique storytelling approach and suspenseful plot, Ariel offers readers a reading experience that challenges conventional notions of horror and leaves a lasting impression. While some readers found the lack of closure and discrepancies in character maturity as drawbacks, the majority agree that Ariel is a worthwhile read for fans of suspense fiction and those seeking a unique exploration of good versus evil.