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Is There A Twist Ending In 'Belladonna' That Shocked Readers?

2025-06-26 18:44:12

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Sophia

I threw the book across the room in a huff (and then promptly picked it up to reread important sections). ‘Belladonna’ is a clever, twisted novel that sets up the reader for the start of a supernatural journey from the very first page. But the true brilliance of the story lies in its ability to completely reverse the reader’s understanding of the narrative when the big reveal about the protagonist’s nature comes. A twist is by nature a ‘gotcha’ moment, but this one worked for me because it so fundamentally shifted the emotional center of the novel. The way it changed my perception of every single relationship in the novel, especially with the various members of staff at the manor, was so effective that it even managed to stay with me after finishing the book.

2025-06-29

Zane

I just finished reading ‘Belladonna’ and I’m still reeling from the ending. ‘Belladonna’ is a gorgeous gothic gothic novel that at first reads as a classic haunted house story, but twists and turns in the last 3 chapters to reveal a totally unexpected story. Rather than another haunted house/ ghost/ murder story, ‘Belladonna’ is actually a really thought-provoking and complex novel about perception.

One of the key elements to the story working is that the author has layered in some excellent foreshadowing throughout the early sections of the book and it becomes clear in retrospect that what was initially amusing or just flavor to the atmospheric setting actually had some significance to it. Also, the fact that the protagonist’s unreliable narration has been used against him is great. By the time you realize who the true villain is (whether human or other), it’s too late to look away. The last paragraph of the book is particularly amazing as it makes you re-read large sections of the story with the new information in mind. It’s the kind of twist that doesn’t just shock you, but actually changes your perception of the entire story.

2025-07-02

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