Review of The Girl in the mural

[alicia_s_2007]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Girl in the mural" by Iris.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The tropical island of Guam is the lovely backdrop for The Girl in the Mural written by Iris Findlay. Iris Findlay lends her personal experience of military hierarchy, and a perspective of women in the service as she builds the characters. This is read from the first-person perspective of both Ava and Ivy, switching back and forth, and it portrays two paths from an abusive past. While one struggles to be the best version of herself, the other strives to tear everyone else down. And they both see this painting every day and it reflects differently to each of them. One brings light and love to all around her, and the other sucks the life and vitality from them.

While reading I was drawn to Ava and her inner thought process of depression, anxiety, and feelings, they are spot on and give a unique impression into the mind of someone struggling through them. Ivy on the other hand reads as a manipulative and sociopathic attention seeking drama queen. We can usually see ourselves or know someone that reflect some aspect of this coin. This book featured a great ebb and flow of verbiage, which had me reading at lighting speed.

There were a few draw backs while reading. There were syntax errors, and instances that had words repeating right next to each other, or very close. It really drew me out of the story and individual minds of both Ava and Ivy. I am also disappointed on how this story ends, I need to know more! Please tell us there is another book coming out soon, I will be watching for it.

The writing of Iris Findlay really pulls you into the story, while the grammatical errors throw you right back out. With everything in consideration, I will be rating this book a 3 out of 4 stars . I would have loved this book and rated it higher had this been edited better. I will keep an eye out in hopes of finding another Iris Findlay book, but I hope for more vigorous editing next time.

This book is a dark and interesting read, but discretion is advised for mental illness, sexual abuse, and emotional violence. With these dark adult themes, this is for mature audiences. The mural written about in the book was painted in Guam in 2017 and is something that was so vividly described it is easily pictured in the mind’s eye.

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The Girl in the mural
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