A page-turner, yes -- but undermined by the fact that I'd guess who done what to whom by about page 5 .... As those pages turned, I was hoping against hope to be surprised, and proved wrong, by some clever, insightful twist ... but no. It played out exactly as I thought it would, so no surprising insights into the cast of deeply unpleasant characters.
I think I was most disappointed, because there were moments when I thought that this could have been an interesting look at Coercive Control, and how otherwise intelligent people (not just women, I'm sure) could allow themselves to be in thrall to partners who are so clearly gaslighting and abusing them. But no serious insights are allowed to get in the way of the cheap thrills.
So -gratuitous (and nasty) sex, drinking beyond excess, deeply unpleasant characters -- and not much to offer, at the end, in the way of a pay off.
I think I was most disappointed, because there were moments when I thought that this could have been an interesting look at Coercive Control, and how otherwise intelligent people (not just women, I'm sure) could allow themselves to be in thrall to partners who are so clearly gaslighting and abusing them. But no serious insights are allowed to get in the way of the cheap thrills.
So -gratuitous (and nasty) sex, drinking beyond excess, deeply unpleasant characters -- and not much to offer, at the end, in the way of a pay off.
This is a fast-paced domestic violence psychological thriller disturbingly hard to put down because you need to know what is happening. Characters are unlikeable as the main character is a terrible person and mother. The book is intriguing and builds from the beginning to the end. Many twists keep you guessing until the very surprising ending. The explicit sex is overdone and not necessary. I found the writing so-so but the plot was very good. I do want to check out her other books as this was a powerful and thought-provoking read. Recommended.
