Hannah Capin’s I Am Margaret Moore is a paranormal thriller that tests the hold of sisterhood and truth.
I am a girl. I am a monster, too.
Each summer the girls of Deck Five come back to Marshall Naval School. They sail on jewel-blue waters; they march on green drill-fields; they earn sunburns and honors. They push until they break apart and heal again, stronger.
Each summer Margaret and Rose and Flor and Nisreen come back to the place where they are girls, safe away from the world: sisters bound by something more than blood.
But this summer everything has changed. Girls are missing and a boy is dead. It’s because of Margaret Moore, the boys say. It’s because of what happened that night in the storm.
Margaret’s friends vanish one by one, swallowed up into the lies she has told about what happened between her and a boy with the world at his feet. Can she unravel the secrets of this summer and last, or will she be pulled under by the place she once called home?
I struggled with this book. Some things I liked and some not so much. The strong friendships between Margaret, Rose, Flor, and Nisreen are a bright point. Although they’re only together during the summers at Marshall Naval School, they have much to bond over and will defend each other til the end. Everyone should have those kinds of friendships. Margaret is betrayed in the worst way and in a horrendous situation that made me want to reach into the pages and throttle some characters. You can’t help but feel for her.
My biggest struggle was with the writing style. While prose-like, it was confounding at times and the time jumps between summers only added to my confusion. One reviewer said she felt like she was following a stream of consciousness, and I can agree with that. At around the 60% mark, the clouds shift and it all makes sense. The twist is brilliant, nothing I suspected, and also makes the story easier to follow until the end – which I loved.
Reviews are all over the place with this novel, and I suppose it comes down to if you’re a fan of this writing style. It’s a relatively quick read, and if you can hang in there for the slow reveal and muddle your way through the time shifts, a shiny reward awaits.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Oh well, a fair review though. I do like the cover! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some reviewers loved this style of writing, but others were thrown off by it – guess it all comes down to preference. But that reveal was worth it, Barbara. Thanks for dropping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm. Writing style can really effect whether or not a book is well received. Every now and then there are those that divide readers and reviewers right down the center. Sounds like this is one of those books.
A very insightful and thoughtful review, Teri. I’ll pass on this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You nailed it, Mae – reviews are about 50-50. The writing is beautiful, but I prefer more clarity in my reading. Still, I’m glad I read it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm, I wonder what the big twist is. You have me intrigued, Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good one, Priscilla! I read a review at Tessa’s blog today about a twist ending, and now I’m curious about that book. I’m a sucker for a good twist.
LikeLike
An interesting take on this one, Teri. I struggle to read books that I cannot keep up with where I am, what century, what summer, etc. When I read, I want to be entertained and not have to think too hard. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and kudos to the author for the shocking twist!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Jan. And with this one I wasn’t in the mood to think too hard, lol. Sometimes I just want to escape and be entertained.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right, how you feel about the writing style will determine how you feel about the book as a whole. It was definitely a mixed bag for me too. Excellent review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I forgot you also read this one, Tessa. I spent much of the book in the land of confusion, but I sure enjoyed the ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an interesting review, Teri. I’m glad things came together. I’m not sure I’d give this one a go with everything else crowding my kindle. Thanks for the review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We need to start the Crowded Kindle Support Group, Diana, lol. I’ve passed on several that sounded iffy to me, but I’m still carrying a full load.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a good reading day today since my computer is still wonky. Not so bad. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Teri. I struggle enjoying what I’m reading if I’m confused. Glad it all oulled together at the end
LikeLiked by 1 person
I even went back several pages after the twist, Denise – wanted to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I’m glad I stuck with it.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Teri. I struggle enjoying what I’m reading if I’m confused. Glad it all oulled together at the end.
LikeLike
I know summer writers like to scatter pieces along the way and pick them up and tie them together toward the end. Some readers love this writing style, but if the novel is long, I’d have a hard time following. It’s good you like most of it. Great review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a pretty quick read, Miriam. I just felt like I was fumbling through the first half of the book.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is why I rarely DNF a book. Because while I may not be enjoying it, sometimes a surprise ending/twist makes the book so worthwhile. Lovely review, Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here, Wendy. I’ve forced myself to continue through a few, but was rewarded at the end. you just never know.
LikeLike
Thanks for the thorough review, Teri. I’ll pass on this writing style.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s not really my style either, Robbie, but the reviews were split about 50/50 on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person