The focus of this story is an unnamed woman who is a married college professor teaching poetry and attempting to get pregnant. When her exhaustive attempts to have a child are unsuccessful, we watch her descent into something akin to madness as her life fails to live up to the vision she had for herself. When a renowned actress moves into her neighborhood, she begins to fixate on her as the ideal for her own life.
The main character and the actress were never named in this story and there is symbolism in that decision. As our unnamed narrator’s life starts to fall apart (neighbors appear to ostracize her for being childless, her husband leaves her, her job seems to dead end), her own inner voice is more destructive than anything else that happens to her. Focusing on the actress seems to give her an alternate identity in which to measure herself, moment to moment. It was painful to experience and the audiobook narrator heightened those feelings because of her stellar performance. She was amazingly effective. There were times I just wanted the story to end but also wanted to continue to see how this journey ended, no matter that I really knew that answer.
This is a provocative, compelling story that’s difficult and disturbing but one I found myself using for self reflection and awareness. How many times have we looked at those who are famous and used them as a measure of our own lives, especially when we’re disappointed with our outlooks? And, our own critical voices can often be more devastating than anything anyone else can say. The next time I want to beat up on myself or idolize someone I really don’t know, I’ll remember this story.
Book Info
- Release Date: January 8, 2019
- Narrator: Katherine Fenton
- Audio Length: 5 hours, 32 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
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(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Blue Mood Café 
Nice one
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Thank you, Yaasotaa!
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Welcome😊💙
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This seems like a dark read… Glad you enjoyed it. Staying away from such reads for the summer
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Yes, it’s definitely a dark read, Shalini. I actually put off reading it for a while.
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Wonderful review, Jonetta! I also thought this one was compelling and disturbing. This book had so many mixed reviews. I think people expect a thriller, but it’s not that at all. A slow and dark read for sure.
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Thank you, Darinda! Not even close to being a thriller…maybe a psychological thriller at best. I felt most comfortable with the contemporary fiction category.
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Oh I really want to read this! Looks so good, disturbing but good! Wonderful review!
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Thank you, Berit! I hope you can get to it soon and, yes, disturbing.
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Wonderful review! This sounds like an emotionally difficult but intriguing read.
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Thanks, Yvo! It’s definitely all that.
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Terrific review, Jonetta! This does sound dark and introspective too. It’s good to know about it being a little slow. I love slow burns.
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Thanks, Jennifer! This is that kind of story that only works as a slow burn.
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I’m glad you enjoyed this more than i did!
The message you pointed out about idolizing someone is pretty good actually. It flew right over my head cuz i just didn’t enjoy the writing
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Thanks, Norrie! The symbolism grabbed me early on and, of course, listening to the story through a great narrator combined to make this an interesting read. I surely understand, though, why it would have been a miss for you and others. It wasn’t a fun one.
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I had picked this one up at the library and had to return it because It was due. I will have to definitely pick it up again.
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Oh, I hope you do get it again. I’d love your take on this story.
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I hope to listen or read this soon. Great review!! ❤
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Thanks, Deanna!
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Great review! I wasn’t convinced by this book when I read my proof, and gave up halfway, but I truly like your ending paragraph!
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Thank you, Meggy! It was hard sticking with it at first but as it progressed, I found myself looking inward and got it. I totally understand if you had to give up.
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I loved this book! One of the best ones I read this year so far!
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Amazing story, wasn’t it?
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