Please be aware that this review contains some spoilers. Do not continue reading unless you are fine with being spoiled.
This book TRIPPED ME OUT. You know that feeling you got the first time you watched Black Swan? Like you’re slightly off-kilter and maybe shouldn’t be in control of a motor vehicle?
That’s the feeling I got when reading Ballad for a Mad Girl. It was so unsettling but in a good way. I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed being creeped out by a novel. I just needed to know what was going to happen next and I couldn’t stand putting the book down whenever real life called.
Compared to the slow build-up, the conclusion felt a bit clunky and rushed, and I probably could’ve done with a bit more explanation to really drive home the emotional connection for those last few important incidents.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this to someone who’s looking for something a little out of the ordinary in YA, but this does deal with some sensitive subject matter and could be an uncomfortable read for a few people.
Rating: ★★★½
