Grim, but brilliant

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑  If novels about dysfunctional families are something you like to gauge your childhood against, Our Little Cruelties might just be the book for you as it will make your early years look blissful. The Drumm family - particularly the brothers Will, Brian and Luke - are textbook perfect illustrations for the word 'dysfunctional'. They are each bad seeds in their own way making this one of the most addicting novel.

As the book progresses we hear the story of their individual lives growing up in Ireland, and as grown adults, told from each of their perspectives. I couldn't put it down. The level of cruelty is high and lack of shame or any sibling loyalty is apparent. It's both shocking and enticing as the level of wickedness seems to ramp up knowing that one of them will be dead by the end of the book.

Normally, not being able to warm to any of the characters spells doom, but, in this instance it is a mark of my good judgement. There isn't much that is likeable and that works wonders for this novel as the reader feels a safe distance from the slings and arrows hurled about with reckless abandon. The cruelty and the twists that transpire would be worrying in a real family but here it simply feels like a guilty pleasure for the audience.

A great read, Our Little Cruelties opens the door to a world filled with cold, messed up people who might just deserve what they get. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.