Soy buena

Ali Land

  • First published 2016
  • 320 pages
  • Spanish
Milly's mother is a serial killer, and Milly is the one who turned her in to the police. Now, with a new identity and a foster family, Milly attempts to build a normal life. Yet, the past is not easily escaped. As her mother's trial approaches, Milly, the star witness, grapples with the unsettling question of nature versus nurture. This psychological thriller delves into Milly's internal world, where secrets and dark thoughts challenge her desire to be "good." The tension mounts as she navigates a new home and the looming trial, forcing her to confront whether she is destined to follow in her mother's footsteps or forge her own path.
3.86
43K ratings across the web
7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Ali Land's debut novel is widely praised as an extraordinary, controversial, and explosive psychological thriller that captivated many readers from its opening sentence. Reviewers consistently highlight the book's engrossing and disturbing plot, commending the author's ability to create a chilling atmosphere without relying on graphic details of the crimes. The writing style is frequently lauded as excellent, tight, and skillful, with a unique, often staccato rhythm that effectively conveys the protagonist's internal world. Milly, the central character, is described as masterfully drawn, complex, compelling, and fascinating, with her internal struggles providing a deep character study. Many reviewers, noting the author's background in mental health, found her expertise evident in the nuanced portrayal of trauma and psychological depth. The audiobook version also received specific praise for its brilliant narration. However, the novel was not without its criticisms. Some readers found the distinctive writing style, characterized by short, fragmented sentences and extensive internal dialogue, occasionally difficult to follow or even distracting and "overkill." A significant point of contention was the portrayal of bullying from Milly's foster sister and her friends, which many felt was overly dramatic, stereotypical, and detracted from the core narrative. Several reviewers also found the plot predictable, with some anticipating the ending early on, leading to feelings of being underwhelmed or unsatisfied. Concerns were raised regarding the believability of certain plot points, such as the foster father also acting as Milly's therapist. Additionally, some felt the middle section of the book sagged, and a few reviewers struggled to connect with or like any of the characters, including Milly herself, which diminished their overall investment in the story. Overall, "Good Me, Bad Me" emerges as a powerful and thought-provoking psychological thriller, especially impressive for a debut. It excels as a character study, offering an intense look into the mind of a traumatized young girl grappling with her identity and a horrific past. This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy dark, unsettling psychological thrillers that prioritize internal conflict and character development over fast-paced action or explicit gore. It will particularly appeal to those who appreciate complex, flawed characters and stories that explore themes of nature versus nurture and the profound impact of trauma, making it a strong candidate for book club discussions despite its dark subject matter.

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This edition
Pàmies, 2017
ISBN
9788416970360
Language
Spanish
Original edition Originally published in 2016 · French · Sonatine

Other editions (46)