Beautiful Revolutionary

I’m surprised at how much I did not like Beautiful Revolutionary — especially given the other ratings and the topic. This is meant to be a fictionalized account of some of Jim Jones’ followers. I read The Road to Jonestown with interest and thought this novel might provide more insight into what led......more

One of the best books I've read this year. An extraordinary achievement. Mind blowing. What a writer! I have no interest in cults, Jim Jones or the Jonestown horror story. To be frank, if I had known what this novel was about I would not have bought it. Why did I buy it? I cannot say. I liked the thr......more

A fictionalized account of Jim Jones and his followers. Jim Jones, a charismatic, master manipulator and con man. A self proclaimed socialist revolutionary and in his words, the only true heterosexual male in his People’s Temple. His followers are a mix of the desperate and lonely, the people with h......more

This was gripping and disturbing till the last page. Woollett has created something really special. Her characters feel like real people and she has brought their backstories and motivations to life with skilful attention to detail. Amazing. I’ve been reflecting on what really grabbed me about the sty......more

I have decidedly mixed feelings about this one. While parts of it were fascinating, much of it (especially in the second half) grew tedious. And the huge gaps in the cult's history were frustrating. In the end, I have more questions than I began with. I suppose that can be a good thing, but my overa......more