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The Perfect Life
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO BE SOMEONE ELSE?
Vanessa has always found it easy to pretend to be somebody different, somebody better. When things get tough in her real life, all she has to do is throw on some nicer clothes, adopt a new accent and she can escape.
That's how it started: looking round houses she couldn't possibly afford. Harmless fun really. Until it wasn't.
Because a man who lived in one of those houses is dead.
And everyone thinks Vanessa killed him...
Vanessa has always found it easy to pretend to be somebody different, somebody better. When things get tough in her real life, all she has to do is throw on some nicer clothes, adopt a new accent and she can escape.
That's how it started: looking round houses she couldn't possibly afford. Harmless fun really. Until it wasn't.
Because a man who lived in one of those houses is dead.
And everyone thinks Vanessa killed him...
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2021
44 people are currently reading
1205 people want to read
About the author
Nuala Ellwood
4 books387 followersNuala Ellwood is the daughter of an award-winning journalist. She was inspired by his experiences and those of foreign correspondents such as Marie Colvin and Martha Gellhorn to secure Arts Council funding for her research into PTSD for her debut psychological thriller MY SISTER’S BONES.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
July 22, 2021
Ever since her mother died when she was a little girl, fragile Vanessa Adams has been in search of happiness. Her wonderful older sister Georgie does her absolute best to help her and when Nessa meets Connor she thinks she’s found what she has been seeking. The story is partly about their relationship and also Nessa adopting different personas to view dream homes in search of that elusive something....
Initially the alternating Then and Now storyline seems a bit confusing but it all slots into place and makes sense. I like the the weaving of a sometimes ghostly fantasy world into the day to day reality which is a very stark contrast. I really like the children’s book theme which Nessa draws so much from especially after her beloved mother’s death and highlights how important fiction can be for children, it certainly was for me. I love the bond between the two sisters which is really heartwarming, demonstrating real love which Nessa’s relationship with Connor is so far from. That story is chilling and full of manipulative tension until the scales tumble from her eyes. The tempo builds well as the story progresses with a number of very unsettling, menacing and dangerous events occurring as Nessa’s world falls apart. Her feelings are very well described and you vividly sense her fear and panic. The ending is twisty and unexpected with people ultimately getting what they deserve.
Overall, this is another entertaining read from the talented Nuala Ellwood.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the arc in return for an honest review.
Initially the alternating Then and Now storyline seems a bit confusing but it all slots into place and makes sense. I like the the weaving of a sometimes ghostly fantasy world into the day to day reality which is a very stark contrast. I really like the children’s book theme which Nessa draws so much from especially after her beloved mother’s death and highlights how important fiction can be for children, it certainly was for me. I love the bond between the two sisters which is really heartwarming, demonstrating real love which Nessa’s relationship with Connor is so far from. That story is chilling and full of manipulative tension until the scales tumble from her eyes. The tempo builds well as the story progresses with a number of very unsettling, menacing and dangerous events occurring as Nessa’s world falls apart. Her feelings are very well described and you vividly sense her fear and panic. The ending is twisty and unexpected with people ultimately getting what they deserve.
Overall, this is another entertaining read from the talented Nuala Ellwood.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the arc in return for an honest review.
August 16, 2021
After her mother died when she was a young child, Vanessa dreamt of having a perfect life with the perfect husband and children living in the perfect house. She thought she’d found her perfect man in Connor Dawkins, but then their relationship started to fall apart as she found it harder and harder to please him.
As life became more stressful for Vanessa, she became addicted to real estate apps, fantasising about living in the perfect houses she saw there with her perfect family. She would make an appointment with a real estate agent to view a house on the market, one she could never afford, and then she would dress up, taking on a different persona. Once in the house of her dreams she would fantasise about the life she and her fantasy family could have there. It seemed like harmless escapism, that is until the owner of one of the properties is found dead in his home and the police identify Vanessa as the last person to see him alive while viewing his house.
Told in two time lines, then and now, Vanessa takes us through the last year as her life starts to spiral out of control, from meeting Connor to becoming estranged from her closest friend, to eventually becoming homeless and jobless, and now a murder suspect. The slow unravelling of her relationship with Connor is not particularly original but is well done, although his motivation for his treatment of her is unclear. The novel builds tension slowly as the scene is set and Vanessa’s relationship with Connor plays out. Although his relationship with Vanessa is far from perfect, it takes her some time to open her eyes to that and it’s hard not to become frustrated with her as she tries so hard to be the woman she thinks Connor wants. She’s not an easy character for the reader to empathise with as her difficult upbringing has left her fragile and naiive and far too trusting for an independent woman in her thirties.
It takes a while for the two different time lines to come together and start to gain momentum. Although Vanessa’s addiction to viewing upmarket houses and the associated murder mystery is the more interesting and original theme of the novel, it is dealt with in much less detail than the development of Connor and Vanessa’s relationship and could have been a stronger focus of the book. The climax was a totally unexpected twist, but also felt very sudden and somewhat rushed after the slow build of the rest of the novel. The epilogue does go some way to tie the different elements of the plot together and see justice served where deserved. More a domestic suspense than a thriller, this would make a good summer holiday read. 3.5★
With thanks to Penguin and Netgalley for a copy to read. Original review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
As life became more stressful for Vanessa, she became addicted to real estate apps, fantasising about living in the perfect houses she saw there with her perfect family. She would make an appointment with a real estate agent to view a house on the market, one she could never afford, and then she would dress up, taking on a different persona. Once in the house of her dreams she would fantasise about the life she and her fantasy family could have there. It seemed like harmless escapism, that is until the owner of one of the properties is found dead in his home and the police identify Vanessa as the last person to see him alive while viewing his house.
Told in two time lines, then and now, Vanessa takes us through the last year as her life starts to spiral out of control, from meeting Connor to becoming estranged from her closest friend, to eventually becoming homeless and jobless, and now a murder suspect. The slow unravelling of her relationship with Connor is not particularly original but is well done, although his motivation for his treatment of her is unclear. The novel builds tension slowly as the scene is set and Vanessa’s relationship with Connor plays out. Although his relationship with Vanessa is far from perfect, it takes her some time to open her eyes to that and it’s hard not to become frustrated with her as she tries so hard to be the woman she thinks Connor wants. She’s not an easy character for the reader to empathise with as her difficult upbringing has left her fragile and naiive and far too trusting for an independent woman in her thirties.
It takes a while for the two different time lines to come together and start to gain momentum. Although Vanessa’s addiction to viewing upmarket houses and the associated murder mystery is the more interesting and original theme of the novel, it is dealt with in much less detail than the development of Connor and Vanessa’s relationship and could have been a stronger focus of the book. The climax was a totally unexpected twist, but also felt very sudden and somewhat rushed after the slow build of the rest of the novel. The epilogue does go some way to tie the different elements of the plot together and see justice served where deserved. More a domestic suspense than a thriller, this would make a good summer holiday read. 3.5★
With thanks to Penguin and Netgalley for a copy to read. Original review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
August 9, 2021
Vanessa and her best friend Lottie shared a flat and had done for years. Vanessa loved her job and when she met Connor, the instant attraction was startling. But Vanessa loved Connor and when he asked her to move in with him, Lottie was devastated. It didn’t help that she disliked Connor, didn’t trust him and thought he was bad for Vanessa. As Lottie left her life, Vanessa began to feel alone and isolated, even while she was with Connor. To help her ‘escape’, she would go to viewings on houses she could never afford, always under another name. She thought it was harmless.
When she was a child there was a particular series of books she loved. When her mother died and her sister Georgie cared for her, those books were a crutch. When she discovered the house the author lived in was for sale, of course she had to view it. And when she was shown through by the author himself, she was gobsmacked. But something went wrong while she was there, and all she remembered was fleeing the house, crying. With the author discovered dead, and Vanessa seen leaving, the police determined her guilt. But would they prove it? Because Vanessa couldn’t remember anything…
The Perfect Life by Nuala Ellwood is a strange book. It was all over the place, in the past, then the present, then back further – it was hard to keep track of it all. As Vanessa continued to put herself down and be put down by the one person who was supposed to care, everything came to a sudden and catastrophic conclusion. The twist in the ending was unexpected but it also didn’t feel quite ‘right’. I’ve read all of this author’s books and liked Day of the Accident the most. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When she was a child there was a particular series of books she loved. When her mother died and her sister Georgie cared for her, those books were a crutch. When she discovered the house the author lived in was for sale, of course she had to view it. And when she was shown through by the author himself, she was gobsmacked. But something went wrong while she was there, and all she remembered was fleeing the house, crying. With the author discovered dead, and Vanessa seen leaving, the police determined her guilt. But would they prove it? Because Vanessa couldn’t remember anything…
The Perfect Life by Nuala Ellwood is a strange book. It was all over the place, in the past, then the present, then back further – it was hard to keep track of it all. As Vanessa continued to put herself down and be put down by the one person who was supposed to care, everything came to a sudden and catastrophic conclusion. The twist in the ending was unexpected but it also didn’t feel quite ‘right’. I’ve read all of this author’s books and liked Day of the Accident the most. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2020
I have previously read 'Day of the Accident' by Nuala Ellwood and loved it so had high hopes for this one. In all honesty it wasn't as good as the previous red but still an entertaining read and got better with every page I read.
Vanessa likes to pretend to be different people and enjoys playing make believe looking round houses she couldn't possibly afford. What started as harmless fun became sinister when one of the owners is found dead and everyone suspects Vanessa.
Entertaining read but I felt that there were a few holes in the overall plot.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Vanessa likes to pretend to be different people and enjoys playing make believe looking round houses she couldn't possibly afford. What started as harmless fun became sinister when one of the owners is found dead and everyone suspects Vanessa.
Entertaining read but I felt that there were a few holes in the overall plot.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2020
Vanessa wants the “Perfect Life” she enjoys dressing up, pretending to be someone else and goes to view luxury houses that she could not possibly afford. Where is the harm in that I hear you say?
When one of the owners of a house Vanessa has viewed is found dead, she becomes the number one suspect!!
I was so hooked by this book that I ended up reading late into the night, as I could not put it down!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
When one of the owners of a house Vanessa has viewed is found dead, she becomes the number one suspect!!
I was so hooked by this book that I ended up reading late into the night, as I could not put it down!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
August 12, 2021
The Perfect Life was an intriguing read, following a London-based millennial as her seemingly "perfect" life descends into chaos.
Vanessa is a perplexing character, who we meet when she's at rock bottom. Within a period of months she's lost her best friend, her boyfriend, her fun life and successful career in the beauty marketing industry to become an unemployed neurotic living off her elder sister's charity. We soon learn that she's also under suspicion for murder...
The events and decisions leading her to her current predicament gradually unfold for the reader over the course of the backwards-and-forwards timeline of the narrative. We see the early halcyon days of her romance with Connor and the concurrent deterioration of her relationship with her lifelong friend, flatmate and confidante Lottie. At first, Vanessa feels that she's made the right decision by agreeing to move in with Connor and believes Lottie will eventually come around. But then the cracks start to show, with Connor's behaviour towards Vanessa becomes increasingly erratic and abusive. As a means of coping, she begins to indulge a dangerous habit - arranging viewings of beautiful properties for sale at prices that she can't possibly afford, and creating elaborate alter-egos deserving of this other, seemingly perfect, life. Her secret life culminates in the discovery of a body, with sightings of a woman matching Vanessa's description fleeing the scene. We know Vanessa isn't telling us everything, but how much is she really hiding?
Author Nuala Ellwood explores many fascinating themes, including the long-term internalisation of childhood trauma or loss, the various ways in which so-called "gaslighting" occurs and the dangers of co-dependent relationships, all of which contribute to Vanessa's escape into imaginary personae. While the character of Vanessa was well-developed over the course of the book, she's the type of female unreliable narrator that I feel has become a somewhat over-used trope over the last decade of mainstream crime fiction releases. That said, she's certainly an interesting character study, even if I was tearing my hair out in frustration at times due to her seeming inability to extricate herself from an unpleasant, even dangerous, situation. But I suppose that's what gaslighting does to a vulnerable personality...
I was somewhat flummoxed by plot developments and the introduction of new characters late in the story, which made for a dramatic ending, but didn't really seem to "gel" with the preceding character development and domestic thriller storyline. It almost felt as though the author had melded two independent plots together using a common protagonist. There was just too much going on, which was distracting from the well-established core narrative around vulnerability.
The Perfect Life was an interesting but perplexing read. Clearly Nuala Ellwood is a talented writer and both her plotting and character development show a lot of skill. While this one didn't really hit the mark for me, I'd be interested to read some of her other titles.
My thanks to the author, Nuala Ellwood, publisher Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business, Penguin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Vanessa is a perplexing character, who we meet when she's at rock bottom. Within a period of months she's lost her best friend, her boyfriend, her fun life and successful career in the beauty marketing industry to become an unemployed neurotic living off her elder sister's charity. We soon learn that she's also under suspicion for murder...
The events and decisions leading her to her current predicament gradually unfold for the reader over the course of the backwards-and-forwards timeline of the narrative. We see the early halcyon days of her romance with Connor and the concurrent deterioration of her relationship with her lifelong friend, flatmate and confidante Lottie. At first, Vanessa feels that she's made the right decision by agreeing to move in with Connor and believes Lottie will eventually come around. But then the cracks start to show, with Connor's behaviour towards Vanessa becomes increasingly erratic and abusive. As a means of coping, she begins to indulge a dangerous habit - arranging viewings of beautiful properties for sale at prices that she can't possibly afford, and creating elaborate alter-egos deserving of this other, seemingly perfect, life. Her secret life culminates in the discovery of a body, with sightings of a woman matching Vanessa's description fleeing the scene. We know Vanessa isn't telling us everything, but how much is she really hiding?
Author Nuala Ellwood explores many fascinating themes, including the long-term internalisation of childhood trauma or loss, the various ways in which so-called "gaslighting" occurs and the dangers of co-dependent relationships, all of which contribute to Vanessa's escape into imaginary personae. While the character of Vanessa was well-developed over the course of the book, she's the type of female unreliable narrator that I feel has become a somewhat over-used trope over the last decade of mainstream crime fiction releases. That said, she's certainly an interesting character study, even if I was tearing my hair out in frustration at times due to her seeming inability to extricate herself from an unpleasant, even dangerous, situation. But I suppose that's what gaslighting does to a vulnerable personality...
I was somewhat flummoxed by plot developments and the introduction of new characters late in the story, which made for a dramatic ending, but didn't really seem to "gel" with the preceding character development and domestic thriller storyline. It almost felt as though the author had melded two independent plots together using a common protagonist. There was just too much going on, which was distracting from the well-established core narrative around vulnerability.
The Perfect Life was an interesting but perplexing read. Clearly Nuala Ellwood is a talented writer and both her plotting and character development show a lot of skill. While this one didn't really hit the mark for me, I'd be interested to read some of her other titles.
My thanks to the author, Nuala Ellwood, publisher Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business, Penguin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
December 18, 2020
Thank you, Penguin, for a copy of The Perfect Life by Nuala Ellwood. I have never read a book by the author before so, I was excited to read a book from a new author.
After the loss of her mother at an early age, Vanessa thrives for a perfect life. When she thinks she has one, with her dream job, living with best friend Lottie and Connor her perfect boyfriend, things start to go wrong. Not only is she accused of lying to estate agents when she goes and visits houses that she can never afford and pretends to be someone she isn’t. She is accused of murdering one of the residents of them and they happen to be her favourite childhood author.
I am finding it hard to review this book. For me, this book didn’t add up. Because of the different timelines I thought I was reading two separate stories, and neither was excitable and quite unbelievable. I didn’t like the main character either, I just thought she needed to get a grip of herself and the ending was very disappointing.
After the loss of her mother at an early age, Vanessa thrives for a perfect life. When she thinks she has one, with her dream job, living with best friend Lottie and Connor her perfect boyfriend, things start to go wrong. Not only is she accused of lying to estate agents when she goes and visits houses that she can never afford and pretends to be someone she isn’t. She is accused of murdering one of the residents of them and they happen to be her favourite childhood author.
I am finding it hard to review this book. For me, this book didn’t add up. Because of the different timelines I thought I was reading two separate stories, and neither was excitable and quite unbelievable. I didn’t like the main character either, I just thought she needed to get a grip of herself and the ending was very disappointing.
August 30, 2021
This book was SO busy and eventful it made my head spin!
I did lose track of a lot of the plot though, I think the author could have been more selective in choosing which sidestories to use and then develop them further.
Traces of an unreliable narrator, which is a great selling point for me, but the timelines made it a challenge to follow.
I love some of the authors that endorsed it, but it fell short for me.
I did lose track of a lot of the plot though, I think the author could have been more selective in choosing which sidestories to use and then develop them further.
Traces of an unreliable narrator, which is a great selling point for me, but the timelines made it a challenge to follow.
I love some of the authors that endorsed it, but it fell short for me.
March 23, 2021
Vanessa has always found it easy to pretend to be somebody different, somebody better. When things get tough in her real life, all she haas to do is throw on some nicer clothes, adopt a new acceent and she can escape. That's how it started: looking round houses she couldn't possibly afford. Harmless fun really. Until it wasn't. Because a man who lived in one of those houses is dead.
This is another book that i can't say too much about as i don't wat to spoil it for potential readers. This is a dark and twisted psychological thriller. I was pulled in from the first few pages and it held my attention throughout. I liked he authors style in writing this steady paced book. I never saw the ending coming. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #PenguinGeneralUK and the author #NualaEllwood for my ARC of #ThePerfectLife in exchange for an honest review.
This is another book that i can't say too much about as i don't wat to spoil it for potential readers. This is a dark and twisted psychological thriller. I was pulled in from the first few pages and it held my attention throughout. I liked he authors style in writing this steady paced book. I never saw the ending coming. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #PenguinGeneralUK and the author #NualaEllwood for my ARC of #ThePerfectLife in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2021
#ThePerfectLife
By Naula Ellwood
- Have you ever wanted to be someone else? When things get tough in Vanessa’s life, she adopts a different persona and looks around houses she couldn’t possibly afford. Harmless fun? Not when a man who lives in one of those houses is found dead. And everyone thinks Vanessa killed him…..
I think we all have an imaginary coping mechanism to escape to when life becomes difficult, so I totally understood the escapism Vanessa committed herself to. Desiring the life that’s out of her reach and becoming a different person, helped her cope with the grief of losing her mother. Together with the childhood storybook she adored when younger, which helped her to fit in when she felt alone, these form the basis of the story and the backbone of Vanessa’s life.
I enjoyed the layout, told in the ‘then’ and ‘now’, allowing us to see how Vanessa has ended up being a person of interest, in the death of one of the house owners. Vanessa’s sister is a fabulously strong woman, who will do anything for Nessa and along with a claustrophobic boyfriend, there is an interesting cast of characters to represent this intriguing psychological thriller.
“The Perfect Life” is unknotted with a curveball ending that fit with the story and moved in a direction that surprises the reader.
A healthy 4 stars.
Naula Ellwood is the author of three bestselling novels and lives in York with her son.
You can find out more about the author and her books from the following link -
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316/3...
Thank you to Ellie Hudson and Penguin Random House for inviting me on the blog tour for “The Perfect Life” and for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
By Naula Ellwood
- Have you ever wanted to be someone else? When things get tough in Vanessa’s life, she adopts a different persona and looks around houses she couldn’t possibly afford. Harmless fun? Not when a man who lives in one of those houses is found dead. And everyone thinks Vanessa killed him…..
I think we all have an imaginary coping mechanism to escape to when life becomes difficult, so I totally understood the escapism Vanessa committed herself to. Desiring the life that’s out of her reach and becoming a different person, helped her cope with the grief of losing her mother. Together with the childhood storybook she adored when younger, which helped her to fit in when she felt alone, these form the basis of the story and the backbone of Vanessa’s life.
I enjoyed the layout, told in the ‘then’ and ‘now’, allowing us to see how Vanessa has ended up being a person of interest, in the death of one of the house owners. Vanessa’s sister is a fabulously strong woman, who will do anything for Nessa and along with a claustrophobic boyfriend, there is an interesting cast of characters to represent this intriguing psychological thriller.
“The Perfect Life” is unknotted with a curveball ending that fit with the story and moved in a direction that surprises the reader.
A healthy 4 stars.
Naula Ellwood is the author of three bestselling novels and lives in York with her son.
You can find out more about the author and her books from the following link -
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316/3...
Thank you to Ellie Hudson and Penguin Random House for inviting me on the blog tour for “The Perfect Life” and for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
August 7, 2021
This was another great read, twisty, compelling and kept me guessing until the end. It was such a great physiological thriller one of which I haven’t read in awhile. The idea of the story was different and that is what I loved about this book. Shame it was a short book I could have done with a little more. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
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I devoured The Day Of The Accident. I loved The House On The Lake. So, naturally, I was prepared I would enjoy The Perfect Life as well. Little did I know, it would end up being my favourite Nuala Ellwood book yet!
Synopsis:
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO BE SOMEONE ELSE?
Vanessa has always found it easy to pretend to be somebody different, somebody better. When things get tough in her real life, all she has to do is throw on some nicer clothes, adopt a new accent and she can escape.
That’s how it started: looking round houses she couldn’t possibly afford. Harmless fun really. Until it wasn’t.
Because a man who lived in one of those houses is dead.
And everyone thinks Vanessa killed him…
My Thoughts:
The manipulation in this book is brilliant. The small red flags that get often ignored turn into a bigger picture, creating a unique pressure, and as a reader, I loved it!
Vanessa is such a morally grey character, and even though I felt for her, I could never truly trust her narrative. It was like stepping on shaky stones, but having a wonderful view at the same time. I don’t experience that often, and I want to find it more and more in books now!
I could predict in which direction the book was going, and even though I could sort of predict the ending as well, it still left me satisfied. If you are looking for a quick read that will take you on a creepy adventure, you better grab a copy of this book.
Nuala’s writing is amazing! She is able to get me into the story very fast, and keep me intrigued until the very end.
TW: rape, abuse, gaslighting
I devoured The Day Of The Accident. I loved The House On The Lake. So, naturally, I was prepared I would enjoy The Perfect Life as well. Little did I know, it would end up being my favourite Nuala Ellwood book yet!
Synopsis:
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO BE SOMEONE ELSE?
Vanessa has always found it easy to pretend to be somebody different, somebody better. When things get tough in her real life, all she has to do is throw on some nicer clothes, adopt a new accent and she can escape.
That’s how it started: looking round houses she couldn’t possibly afford. Harmless fun really. Until it wasn’t.
Because a man who lived in one of those houses is dead.
And everyone thinks Vanessa killed him…
My Thoughts:
The manipulation in this book is brilliant. The small red flags that get often ignored turn into a bigger picture, creating a unique pressure, and as a reader, I loved it!
Vanessa is such a morally grey character, and even though I felt for her, I could never truly trust her narrative. It was like stepping on shaky stones, but having a wonderful view at the same time. I don’t experience that often, and I want to find it more and more in books now!
I could predict in which direction the book was going, and even though I could sort of predict the ending as well, it still left me satisfied. If you are looking for a quick read that will take you on a creepy adventure, you better grab a copy of this book.
Nuala’s writing is amazing! She is able to get me into the story very fast, and keep me intrigued until the very end.
TW: rape, abuse, gaslighting
November 3, 2020
Thank you Netgalley, Penguin General and Nuala Ellwood for allowing me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
"In front of me the screen darkens, obliterating Gloucestershire and polished floors and perfect lives, leaving me only with the stark truth of what I have done."
Vanessa is pulled into an intricately weaved web of manipulation, obsession and murder. Her life falls apart and for the first half of the book you really think that she committed the murder.
As the book progresses, we see that she is horribly manipulated into thinking she is crazy.
For me this first half was very slow, and I almost stopped reading. However I am very glad I kept going.
The second half delves deeper into the manipulation. As Vanessa starts to decline mentally her sister is there to support her throughout.
We reach the end which has some twists i did not expect, justice and finally some happiness.
The second half more than made up for the slow first half, this was a brilliant story.
"After living through characters in books, adopting different identities, taking different names, I know now that to be truly happy I don’t need to hide behind stories any more. I just need to be me."
"In front of me the screen darkens, obliterating Gloucestershire and polished floors and perfect lives, leaving me only with the stark truth of what I have done."
Vanessa is pulled into an intricately weaved web of manipulation, obsession and murder. Her life falls apart and for the first half of the book you really think that she committed the murder.
As the book progresses, we see that she is horribly manipulated into thinking she is crazy.
For me this first half was very slow, and I almost stopped reading. However I am very glad I kept going.
The second half delves deeper into the manipulation. As Vanessa starts to decline mentally her sister is there to support her throughout.
We reach the end which has some twists i did not expect, justice and finally some happiness.
The second half more than made up for the slow first half, this was a brilliant story.
"After living through characters in books, adopting different identities, taking different names, I know now that to be truly happy I don’t need to hide behind stories any more. I just need to be me."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
Psychological Fiction / Thriller
Publication Date: July 20, 2021
Started off intriguing but I did not enjoy the "Then" and "Now" narrative. Sometimes I got confused what was happening in which timeline and it was very slow going. I just kept getting frustrated with the incomplete details. I honestly felt distracted reading each page when there was no good flow or solid backround.
Perhaps the main character, Vanessa, was also to blame for my frustration and disinterest. She came across as selfish, shallow, gullible, deceitful, and lunatic. Somehow I just couldn't find energy to symphatize or feel sorry for her. Author constantly refer to the events that happened to Vanessa in the past but we are not told until much later. So reader is left wondering
This story was okay but I never really felt the build-up of any great athosphere or tension that a good psychological thriller requires. Its one of those generic thriller you read and then discard.
Publication Date: July 20, 2021
Started off intriguing but I did not enjoy the "Then" and "Now" narrative. Sometimes I got confused what was happening in which timeline and it was very slow going. I just kept getting frustrated with the incomplete details. I honestly felt distracted reading each page when there was no good flow or solid backround.
Perhaps the main character, Vanessa, was also to blame for my frustration and disinterest. She came across as selfish, shallow, gullible, deceitful, and lunatic. Somehow I just couldn't find energy to symphatize or feel sorry for her. Author constantly refer to the events that happened to Vanessa in the past but we are not told until much later. So reader is left wondering
This story was okay but I never really felt the build-up of any great athosphere or tension that a good psychological thriller requires. Its one of those generic thriller you read and then discard.
July 24, 2021
Nualla Ellwoods My Sisters Bones was such a fantastic book and I was keen to read more. The Perfect Life had so much going for it but I found it to be really confusing with so many multiple timelines back and forth all the time. It was a fast read for me but there were times that I tuned out.
Vanessa likes to pretend to a wealthy woman by viewing properties she could never afford. Why can't she have the perfect life, and why is there a man in one of those properties now dead? The police are very interested in her and her alter egos.
Once you get to grips with the format the story is good but it wasn't a favourite for me.
Thanks to penguin and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book.
Vanessa likes to pretend to a wealthy woman by viewing properties she could never afford. Why can't she have the perfect life, and why is there a man in one of those properties now dead? The police are very interested in her and her alter egos.
Once you get to grips with the format the story is good but it wasn't a favourite for me.
Thanks to penguin and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book.
December 2, 2021
A psychological thriller that alternates between two timelines, one of the past and one of the present, from the viewpoint of a confident, successful woman who, over a year, has found herself being questioned by the police. It's inevitable to make assumptions when the reader witnesses the oh-so-perfect boyfriend that the woman has found love with, despite or amidst the controlling nature of this man. The writing very well creates a tension that keeps one hooked while the protagonist allows readers to feel the thrill of it all, the chill of manipulation, and the vividness of fear, but the plot intrigues only so much despite the interest that the theme of alter egos would otherwise generate.
↣ an early digital copy received via netgalley.
October 27, 2021
Έχοντας διαβάσει στο παρελθόν την «Ημέρα του Ατυχήματος» και "Τα κόκκαλα της αδελφής μου" της Nuala Ellwood διατηρούσα μεγάλες προσδοκίες για το νέο της βιβλίο, που κυκλοφορεί από τις Εκδόσεις Bell, με τον τίτλο «Η τέλεια ζωή». Όμως, οι ελπίδες μου δεν δικαιώθηκαν αφού κάποια από τα χαρακτηριστικά του βιβλίου δε με κάλυψαν στο 100%. Συζητώντας το όμως με μια φίλη, με την οποία το διαβάσαμε παράλληλα, συμφωνήσαμε ότι ακόμα κι έτσι ήταν ένα ανάγνωσμα, το οποίο διαβάζεται ευχάριστα κι αφήνει καλή αίσθηση στον αναγνώστη του.
Μέσα από την ιστορία της η συγγραφέας διερευνά μερικά συναρπαστικά ψυχολογικά θέματα (από αυτά που εγώ απολαμβάνω να διαβάζω), συμπεριλαμβανομένης της μακροχρόνιας εσωτερίκευσης του παιδικού τραύματος και τους κινδύνους της εξάρτησης από μια σχέση ερωτική, φιλική ή άλλη. Δυο θέματα που οδήγησαν τη ηρωίδα του βιβλίου στην «απόδραση» και το παιχνίδι ρόλων. Μάλιστα για μένα, τα ζητήματα αυτά είναι το καλύτερο «χαρτί» της Ellwood που μαζί με το γρήγορο ρυθμό της πλοκής και τα μικρά κεφάλαια, με έσπρωχναν να διαβάζω το ένα κεφάλαιο μετά το άλλο.
Οι ήρωες του βιβλίου επίσης μου άρεσαν σε γενικές γραμμές, πλην αυτού της Βανέσα, που σαν π��ωταγωνίστρια του βιβλίου θα περίμενε κανείς να γίνει ιδιαίτερα αγαπητή από τον αναγνώστη. Αντίθετα, είναι ένας αρκετά μπερδεμένος χαρακτήρας, με τον οποίο προσωπικά, στάθηκε αδύνατο να ταυτιστώ. Μερικές φορές μάλιστα, ήταν τόσος ο εκνευρισμός μου με την αδυναμία της να ξεφύγει από τις άσχημες καταστάσεις, που μου ερχόταν να κλείσω το βιβλίο με θόρυβο. Θεωρώ ότι δεν εμβάθυνε όσο θα έπρεπε στην προσωπικότητα της Βανέσα, εξ' ου και δεν γίνονται κατανοητές οι ιδιαίτερες πτυχές της προσωπικότητάς της. Επίσης, η παρουσία κάποιων χαρακτήρων προς το τέλος της ιστορίας δεν ευδοκίμησε ενώ η ανατροπή ήταν απροσδόκητη μεν αλλά δε μου φάνηκε «σωστή». Δυστυχώς δε μπορώ να πω περισσότερα προς αποφυγή spoilers.
Η αλήθεια είναι πως μερικές φορές ξεχνάω πως είναι να διαβάζει κανείς ένα βιβλίο απλά για την απόλαυση της ανάγνωσης, χωρίς να το «περνά από κόσκινο». Αυτά παθαίνει κανείς όταν μπλέκεται με τις αναλύσεις των βιβλίων. Αν λοιπόν ξεπεράσω αυτόν τον ύφαλο και σταθώ μόνο στην αίσθηση που μου άφησε τελειώνοντας, θα πω ότι, «Η τέλεια ζωή» ήταν ένα ενδιαφέρον βιβλίο παρά τα όποια μειονεκτήματά του. Σαφώς η Nuala Ellwood είναι μια ταλαντούχα συγγραφέας και τόσο η πλοκή των βιβλίων της όσο και η ανάπτυξη των χαρακτήρων που επιλέγει να βάλει σε αυτά, δείχνουν μεγάλη επιδεξιότητα. Μπορεί «Η τέλεια ζωή» να μην ήταν όσο τέλεια θα ήθελα, θα με ενδιέφερε όμως σίγουρα να διαβάσω και τα επόμενα βιβλία της.
Καλές αναγνώσεις!
Δείτε περισσότερες βιβλιοαπόψεις στο blog των ΒΙΒΛΙΟγραφικών.
Μέσα από την ιστορία της η συγγραφέας διερευνά μερικά συναρπαστικά ψυχολογικά θέματα (από αυτά που εγώ απολαμβάνω να διαβάζω), συμπεριλαμβανομένης της μακροχρόνιας εσωτερίκευσης του παιδικού τραύματος και τους κινδύνους της εξάρτησης από μια σχέση ερωτική, φιλική ή άλλη. Δυο θέματα που οδήγησαν τη ηρωίδα του βιβλίου στην «απόδραση» και το παιχνίδι ρόλων. Μάλιστα για μένα, τα ζητήματα αυτά είναι το καλύτερο «χαρτί» της Ellwood που μαζί με το γρήγορο ρυθμό της πλοκής και τα μικρά κεφάλαια, με έσπρωχναν να διαβάζω το ένα κεφάλαιο μετά το άλλο.
Οι ήρωες του βιβλίου επίσης μου άρεσαν σε γενικές γραμμές, πλην αυτού της Βανέσα, που σαν π��ωταγωνίστρια του βιβλίου θα περίμενε κανείς να γίνει ιδιαίτερα αγαπητή από τον αναγνώστη. Αντίθετα, είναι ένας αρκετά μπερδεμένος χαρακτήρας, με τον οποίο προσωπικά, στάθηκε αδύνατο να ταυτιστώ. Μερικές φορές μάλιστα, ήταν τόσος ο εκνευρισμός μου με την αδυναμία της να ξεφύγει από τις άσχημες καταστάσεις, που μου ερχόταν να κλείσω το βιβλίο με θόρυβο. Θεωρώ ότι δεν εμβάθυνε όσο θα έπρεπε στην προσωπικότητα της Βανέσα, εξ' ου και δεν γίνονται κατανοητές οι ιδιαίτερες πτυχές της προσωπικότητάς της. Επίσης, η παρουσία κάποιων χαρακτήρων προς το τέλος της ιστορίας δεν ευδοκίμησε ενώ η ανατροπή ήταν απροσδόκητη μεν αλλά δε μου φάνηκε «σωστή». Δυστυχώς δε μπορώ να πω περισσότερα προς αποφυγή spoilers.
Η αλήθεια είναι πως μερικές φορές ξεχνάω πως είναι να διαβάζει κανείς ένα βιβλίο απλά για την απόλαυση της ανάγνωσης, χωρίς να το «περνά από κόσκινο». Αυτά παθαίνει κανείς όταν μπλέκεται με τις αναλύσεις των βιβλίων. Αν λοιπόν ξεπεράσω αυτόν τον ύφαλο και σταθώ μόνο στην αίσθηση που μου άφησε τελειώνοντας, θα πω ότι, «Η τέλεια ζωή» ήταν ένα ενδιαφέρον βιβλίο παρά τα όποια μειονεκτήματά του. Σαφώς η Nuala Ellwood είναι μια ταλαντούχα συγγραφέας και τόσο η πλοκή των βιβλίων της όσο και η ανάπτυξη των χαρακτήρων που επιλέγει να βάλει σε αυτά, δείχνουν μεγάλη επιδεξιότητα. Μπορεί «Η τέλεια ζωή» να μην ήταν όσο τέλεια θα ήθελα, θα με ενδιέφερε όμως σίγουρα να διαβάσω και τα επόμενα βιβλία της.
Καλές αναγνώσεις!
Δείτε περισσότερες βιβλιοαπόψεις στο blog των ΒΙΒΛΙΟγραφικών.
December 31, 2024
Χαίρομαι που έδωσα άλλη μια ευκαιρία στη συγγραφέα γιατί αυτό το βιβλίο ήταν πολύ καλύτερο. Μπορεί να μη λείπει ο άκυρος χαρακτήρας που εμφανίζεται απ' το πουθενά για να κάνει την κατάσταση πιο δραματική, όμως αυτό το βιβλίο έχει μια σημαντική ιστορία να πει. Η παρουσίαση στο οπισθόφυλλο είναι πολύ φθηνιάρικη κατά τη γνώμη μου.
Αυτό που μου άρεσε είναι το πως παρουσιάζει τη σχέση με ένα ναρκισσιστή. Θεωρώ ότι είναι με έναν απλό και εύκολα κατανοητό τρόπο που ίσως βοηθήσει κάποιο άτομο που το διαβάζει να συνειδητοποιήσει ότι βρίσκεται σε μια εξίσου προβληματική σχέση. Δεν είναι το πρώτο βιβλίο του είδους του που παρουσιάζει αυτό το είδος συντρόφου που προσπαθεί να ελέγξει τα πάντα και να σε κάνει να μην ξέρεις καν τι νιώθεις και τι σκέφτεσαι. Όμως, απ' όλα ψυχολογικά θρίλερ που έχω διαβάσει τα τελευταία χρόνια, θεωρώ ότι παρουσιάζει μια τέτοια σχέση πιο ρεαλιστικά. Κι αυτό γιατί δεν προσπαθεί να τον κάνει τον "μεγάλο κακό μπαμπούλα". Ξέρει ότι είναι πολύ πιο τρομακτικό το να τον παρουσιάσει ρεαλιστικά.
Επίσης, βλέπουμε πως η κοινωνία και τα σοσιαλ μίντια μας κάνουν να κυνηγάμε την "Τέλεια Ζωή" που όμως δεν υπάρχει πουθενά πέρα απ' τα σοσιαλ και τις διαφημίσεις. Μας κάνει να συγκρίνουμε τις ζωές μας με αυτό που παρουσιάζουν οι άλλοι ως ζωές τους στα σόσιαλ και να προσπαθούμε κι εμείς να παρουσιάσουμε κάτι ανάλογο, ακόμα κι αν δεν τον έχουμε. Ίσως, πολύ περισσότερο όταν δεν το έχουμε.
Προφανώς, δεν πρόκειται για ένα βιβλίο που αναλύει αυτά τα θέματα σε βάθος, δεν είναι αυτός ο σκοπός του. Αλλά για ψυχολογικό θρίλερ μια χαρά κάνει τη δουλειά του. Οπότε, θα παραβλέψω εκείνες τις 50-60 σελίδες με το pointless drama. Η βασική ιδέα του χαρακτήρα αυτών των σελίδων θα είχε ενδιαφέρον αν είχε παρουσιαστεί πολύ νωρίτερα στην ιστορία και τον είχαμε γνωρίσει καλύτερα.
Αυτό που μου άρεσε είναι το πως παρουσιάζει τη σχέση με ένα ναρκισσιστή. Θεωρώ ότι είναι με έναν απλό και εύκολα κατανοητό τρόπο που ίσως βοηθήσει κάποιο άτομο που το διαβάζει να συνειδητοποιήσει ότι βρίσκεται σε μια εξίσου προβληματική σχέση. Δεν είναι το πρώτο βιβλίο του είδους του που παρουσιάζει αυτό το είδος συντρόφου που προσπαθεί να ελέγξει τα πάντα και να σε κάνει να μην ξέρεις καν τι νιώθεις και τι σκέφτεσαι. Όμως, απ' όλα ψυχολογικά θρίλερ που έχω διαβάσει τα τελευταία χρόνια, θεωρώ ότι παρουσιάζει μια τέτοια σχέση πιο ρεαλιστικά. Κι αυτό γιατί δεν προσπαθεί να τον κάνει τον "μεγάλο κακό μπαμπούλα". Ξέρει ότι είναι πολύ πιο τρομακτικό το να τον παρουσιάσει ρεαλιστικά.
Επίσης, βλέπουμε πως η κοινωνία και τα σοσιαλ μίντια μας κάνουν να κυνηγάμε την "Τέλεια Ζωή" που όμως δεν υπάρχει πουθενά πέρα απ' τα σοσιαλ και τις διαφημίσεις. Μας κάνει να συγκρίνουμε τις ζωές μας με αυτό που παρουσιάζουν οι άλλοι ως ζωές τους στα σόσιαλ και να προσπαθούμε κι εμείς να παρουσιάσουμε κάτι ανάλογο, ακόμα κι αν δεν τον έχουμε. Ίσως, πολύ περισσότερο όταν δεν το έχουμε.
Προφανώς, δεν πρόκειται για ένα βιβλίο που αναλύει αυτά τα θέματα σε βάθος, δεν είναι αυτός ο σκοπός του. Αλλά για ψυχολογικό θρίλερ μια χαρά κάνει τη δουλειά του. Οπότε, θα παραβλέψω εκείνες τις 50-60 σελίδες με το pointless drama. Η βασική ιδέα του χαρακτήρα αυτών των σελίδων θα είχε ενδιαφέρον αν είχε παρουσιαστεί πολύ νωρίτερα στην ιστορία και τον είχαμε γνωρίσει καλύτερα.
January 9, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis and title both were intriguing so I requested it on Netgalley and got the copy. From the synopsis, I gathered that the story will be about Vanessa who has some personality disorder or whatever but in reality, this book is more about a toxic relationship. So the synopsis is misleading.
Vanessa is 32 and lives with her old friend when she met Conner it took her only a few months to fall in love and move with him. After her mother’s death she was in bad patch her sister supported her in every way. Now she is grown up and want to have her Dream home from where she won’t have to move. She had developed the habit of visiting overpriced houses. Until one day CCTV caught her coming out of the house and the owner is murdered in the same time slot.
I found this book okayish. It kept shifting Now and Then perspective which I didn’t enjoy. I found the pace a bit slow and Vanessa her self wasn’t much likeable so it was kinda hard to feel for her. On the other hand, Conner’s character was shady from the start. Her sister is the best character in the book, everyone needs a sister like her. There wasn’t anything extraordinary in this book. The final twist wasn’t much interesting too and the ending was predictable. This book wasn’t even a proper mystery.
Synopsis and title both were intriguing so I requested it on Netgalley and got the copy. From the synopsis, I gathered that the story will be about Vanessa who has some personality disorder or whatever but in reality, this book is more about a toxic relationship. So the synopsis is misleading.
Vanessa is 32 and lives with her old friend when she met Conner it took her only a few months to fall in love and move with him. After her mother’s death she was in bad patch her sister supported her in every way. Now she is grown up and want to have her Dream home from where she won’t have to move. She had developed the habit of visiting overpriced houses. Until one day CCTV caught her coming out of the house and the owner is murdered in the same time slot.
I found this book okayish. It kept shifting Now and Then perspective which I didn’t enjoy. I found the pace a bit slow and Vanessa her self wasn’t much likeable so it was kinda hard to feel for her. On the other hand, Conner’s character was shady from the start. Her sister is the best character in the book, everyone needs a sister like her. There wasn’t anything extraordinary in this book. The final twist wasn’t much interesting too and the ending was predictable. This book wasn’t even a proper mystery.
November 8, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing for a free E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TRIGGER WARNINGS - This review will contain mentions of abuse, death, abortion and rape.
The premise of this story is interesting, with the main character Vanessa being involved in the murder of a man who's house she had viewed. The narrative jumps from past to present, giving the reader an idea of Vanessa's life before compared to how it is now and, for the first half of the book, this works perfectly well, setting the scene to the murder while bringing up multiple questions from Vanessa's past, particularly involving the novels she loved as a child.
(SPOILERS)
However, at around the halfway point, the story seems to lose momentum and the abuse Vanessa has been suffering escalates. While this is understandable and, to an extent, fits with the pacing of the novel, the rape seems to come out of nowhere and could be triggering to readers in the way it is written. After this, the novel seems to get very heavy on an abortion yet this doesn't really add anything to the actual plot other than intense amounts of shaming of abortions. Personally, I felt like the abortion was not handled well in the novel and it was simply unnecessary.
The ending felt rushed and, while I definitely did not see the main twist coming, parts of the story were incredibly predictable.
It is difficult to empathise with the main character and her motivations and at times her hobby seems pointless, simply a way to make her memorable in a see of female main characters. Ultimately, it struggles to do this and Vanessa becomes forgettable, much like this story.
TRIGGER WARNINGS - This review will contain mentions of abuse, death, abortion and rape.
The premise of this story is interesting, with the main character Vanessa being involved in the murder of a man who's house she had viewed. The narrative jumps from past to present, giving the reader an idea of Vanessa's life before compared to how it is now and, for the first half of the book, this works perfectly well, setting the scene to the murder while bringing up multiple questions from Vanessa's past, particularly involving the novels she loved as a child.
(SPOILERS)
However, at around the halfway point, the story seems to lose momentum and the abuse Vanessa has been suffering escalates. While this is understandable and, to an extent, fits with the pacing of the novel, the rape seems to come out of nowhere and could be triggering to readers in the way it is written. After this, the novel seems to get very heavy on an abortion yet this doesn't really add anything to the actual plot other than intense amounts of shaming of abortions. Personally, I felt like the abortion was not handled well in the novel and it was simply unnecessary.
The ending felt rushed and, while I definitely did not see the main twist coming, parts of the story were incredibly predictable.
It is difficult to empathise with the main character and her motivations and at times her hobby seems pointless, simply a way to make her memorable in a see of female main characters. Ultimately, it struggles to do this and Vanessa becomes forgettable, much like this story.
July 3, 2021
Vanessa wants the perfect life. She’s always found it easier to pretend to be someone else, to let her thoughts take her elsewhere. Throw on some different clothes, change her accent and she’s instantly escaped her life. That’s how it starts: simply viewing a bunch of different houses she can’t afford; adopting a different persona. Surely there’s no harm in that, is there? Until a man who lived in one of those houses is found dead, and they think Vanessa killed him.
What a brilliant book The Perfect Life is. I read it in two days as I couldn’t put it down. It’s gripping, thrilling and leaves you with a healthy feeling of angst as you keep turning the pages wondering how the plot will play out. A fabulous five star read
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin and the author for the chance to review.
What a brilliant book The Perfect Life is. I read it in two days as I couldn’t put it down. It’s gripping, thrilling and leaves you with a healthy feeling of angst as you keep turning the pages wondering how the plot will play out. A fabulous five star read
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin and the author for the chance to review.
April 6, 2022
Kovo mėnesį pradėjau pažintį su Nuala Ellwood ir šiandien baigiau skaityti paskutinę ir naujausią knygą. Bendrai apibūdinant visas knygas jos man atrodo labai vidutiniškos, tačiau ši knyga man visai patiko.
"Tobulybė. Keista jos siekti, tiesa? Ypač kai iš prigimties žmonės yra bjaurūs, sudėtingi, nesivaldantys ir nepastovūs. Jie yra labai toli nuo tobulybės, tačiau jiems nuolat primenama jos siekti - reikia turėti tobulą namą, tobulą kūną, tobulus vaikus, tobulą santuoką, darbą, netgi sumautos lėkštės maistui turi būti tobulos. Iš tiesų, mums reikia tik vieno paprasto, bet sunkiai sugaunamo dalyko - laimės. "
Nepaslaptis, kad mėgstu knygas apie porų santykius ir santykį su savimi. Šioje knygoje paliesta ne viena aktuali šių dienų tema, gal jos nebuvo iki galo išgvildentos, bet gana įdomiai pateiktos, todėl skaitėsi greitai ir nenuobodžiai. Asmeniškai man, tai viena labiausiai patikusių Ellwood knygų, nors ir nebuvo tai įtempto siužeto trileris kaip skelbiama anotacijoje, tačiau tiems kas mėgsta ramesnio siužeto knygas arba romanus manau tikrai patiks.
"Tobulybė. Keista jos siekti, tiesa? Ypač kai iš prigimties žmonės yra bjaurūs, sudėtingi, nesivaldantys ir nepastovūs. Jie yra labai toli nuo tobulybės, tačiau jiems nuolat primenama jos siekti - reikia turėti tobulą namą, tobulą kūną, tobulus vaikus, tobulą santuoką, darbą, netgi sumautos lėkštės maistui turi būti tobulos. Iš tiesų, mums reikia tik vieno paprasto, bet sunkiai sugaunamo dalyko - laimės. "
Nepaslaptis, kad mėgstu knygas apie porų santykius ir santykį su savimi. Šioje knygoje paliesta ne viena aktuali šių dienų tema, gal jos nebuvo iki galo išgvildentos, bet gana įdomiai pateiktos, todėl skaitėsi greitai ir nenuobodžiai. Asmeniškai man, tai viena labiausiai patikusių Ellwood knygų, nors ir nebuvo tai įtempto siužeto trileris kaip skelbiama anotacijoje, tačiau tiems kas mėgsta ramesnio siužeto knygas arba romanus manau tikrai patiks.
Read
October 24, 2020A compelling, twisty psychological thriller in which a much-adored boyfriend gaslights a vulnerable, naïve woman, leading us to ask: does anyone really have a perfect life?
Vanessa gets a thrill out of viewing houses she can’t afford. After her mother died when she was young, she’s longed desperately for a family of her own. She doesn’t think she’s doing any harm. Until one day the owner of the house she’s viewing is found dead. And the police think Vanessa is the murderer.
The story is told in two time periods: now, in which her life is a complete wreck; and before, in which everything was looking rosy. With a domestic setting and complex characters, this was a book exploring themes like love and control, and what happens when the perfect life turns out to be a perfect nightmare.
Vanessa gets a thrill out of viewing houses she can’t afford. After her mother died when she was young, she’s longed desperately for a family of her own. She doesn’t think she’s doing any harm. Until one day the owner of the house she’s viewing is found dead. And the police think Vanessa is the murderer.
The story is told in two time periods: now, in which her life is a complete wreck; and before, in which everything was looking rosy. With a domestic setting and complex characters, this was a book exploring themes like love and control, and what happens when the perfect life turns out to be a perfect nightmare.
November 23, 2022
kazko truko iki wow *5.bet siaip gerai susiskaite
December 5, 2020
ARC provided by the publisher—via NetGalley—in exchange for an honest review.
Nuala Ellwood has woven a tale that addresses many important issues in society, amongst them being social media addiction and the effects it has on depression and mental health issues. More than anything, I felt that the topic addressed best of all was gas lighting.
Gaslighting, to quote Wiki, is: “A form of psychological manipulation in which a person or a group covertly sows seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or group, making them question their own memory, perception, or judgment. It may evoke changes in them such as cognitive dissonance or low self-esteem, rendering the victim additionally dependent on the gaslighter for emotional support and validation.”
This book shows that process extremely well and I can’t say I’ve read it being done so well anywhere else. Many people are not aware that they are experiencing gas lighting, so this book may be an eye-opener for some. Nothing illustrated it better than:
The book also covers the topic of wanting to be someone else when you can't get a handle on your life - and the bliss of becoming blind to your troubles for a few numbered hours, and numbing the pain. This is a reality for many people – we all numb pain in different ways. Ellwood shows how family and friends can help us face our demons.
However, personally for me, there were a few things that did not make sense, particularly after the 90% mark of the book. The book soared and then fell spectacularly.
The following made no logical sense:
The lead up to the ending was great - the ending, however, was not. It was just random. I recognised and clearly remembered the signs, yet I still found it random. I feel like there should have been more of an indication given through-out the book. It is due the ending alone that I dropped 2 stars. Overall, a good read, especially for the gas lighting eye-opener.
Nuala Ellwood has woven a tale that addresses many important issues in society, amongst them being social media addiction and the effects it has on depression and mental health issues. More than anything, I felt that the topic addressed best of all was gas lighting.
Gaslighting, to quote Wiki, is: “A form of psychological manipulation in which a person or a group covertly sows seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or group, making them question their own memory, perception, or judgment. It may evoke changes in them such as cognitive dissonance or low self-esteem, rendering the victim additionally dependent on the gaslighter for emotional support and validation.”
This book shows that process extremely well and I can’t say I’ve read it being done so well anywhere else. Many people are not aware that they are experiencing gas lighting, so this book may be an eye-opener for some. Nothing illustrated it better than:
The book also covers the topic of wanting to be someone else when you can't get a handle on your life - and the bliss of becoming blind to your troubles for a few numbered hours, and numbing the pain. This is a reality for many people – we all numb pain in different ways. Ellwood shows how family and friends can help us face our demons.
However, personally for me, there were a few things that did not make sense, particularly after the 90% mark of the book. The book soared and then fell spectacularly.
The following made no logical sense:
The lead up to the ending was great - the ending, however, was not. It was just random. I recognised and clearly remembered the signs, yet I still found it random. I feel like there should have been more of an indication given through-out the book. It is due the ending alone that I dropped 2 stars. Overall, a good read, especially for the gas lighting eye-opener.
November 3, 2021
Η Άιρις Λόσον είναι μια γυναίκα που περνά την ώρα της κοιτάζοντας σπίτια που δεν πρόκειται ν’ αγοράσει. Ή μήπως μισεί όσα αντικρίζει με αποτέλεσμα κάποια στιγμή να ξεσπάσει τον θυμό της; Τι σχέση έχει με τη Βανέσα Άνταμς; Σκότωσε ή όχι τον Τζέφρι Ρίβερς; Τι συνέβη πίσω στο 1996 όταν μια δεκάχρονη μαθήτρια αρχίζει να νιώθει πως κινδυνεύει στο ίδιο της το σπίτι; Γιατί ταυτίζεται με τον ήρωα της σειράς παιδικών βιβλίων «Το Σπίτι του Λαβύρινθου των Βάτων» και γιατί του γράφει γράμματα; Πώς συνδέεται το χτες με το σήμερα;
Το νέο μυθιστόρημα της Nuala Ellwood αφορά τη σωματική και λεκτική κακοποίηση, καθώς και τα παιδικά ψυχολογικά τραύματα που κουβαλάει κανείς μαζί του για πάντα («Όλοι πρέπει να βρούμε έναν τρόπο να ξεπεράσουμε τα παιδικά μας χρόνια», σελ. 315) και δείχνει πόσο κακό κάνει στη ζωή μας η συνήθειά μας να ανεβάζουμε όλες μας τις προσωπικές στιγμές στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης. Αρχικά γνωρίζουμε τη Βανέσα Άνταμς και τη σχέση της με τον Κόνορ Ντόκινς, κάτι που θα επιφέρει προβλήματα στη φιλία της με τη Λότι. Ταυτόχρονα, η Βανέσα είναι εθισμένη στο να κοιτάει μεγάλα και πολυτελή σπίτια τα οποία δεν έχει ούτε θα αποκτήσει ποτέ την οικονομική ευχέρεια για να αγοράσει, παρ’ όλ’ αυτά, η αναζήτησή τους στο διαδίκτυο κατευνάζει τους φόβους της και σταματάει τις μαύρες σκέψεις. Μέχρι που ο ιδιοκτήτης ενός εξ αυτών δολοφονείται λίγα λεπτά μετά την αναχώρησή της.
Η σχέση της Βανέσα και του Κόνορ περνάει τα γνωστά στάδια που βιώνει ένα ζευγάρι: ενθουσιασμός, καλό σεξ, συγκατοίκηση, αρχίζουν όμως οι υποχρεώσεις, η κούραση και η μονοτονία να κερδίζουν όλο και περισσότερο χώρο. Θα μπορούσε να πει κανείς πως «Η τέλεια ζωή» είναι ένα καλό κοινωνικό μυθιστόρημα με την απαραίτητη χρυσόσκονη του ρομάντσου, επειδή όμως η Nuala Ellwood έχει γράψει ένα βιβλίο γεμάτο σασπένς και χιλιάδες ερωτηματικά που οδηγούν σε απανωτές εκπλήξεις, έπιασα τον εαυτό μου να ψάχνει στο κείμενο για δισημίες και υπονοούμενα, για ό,τι τέλος πάντων χρειάζεται που θα με βοηθήσει να ξεδιαλύνω τον γρίφο της δολοφονίας του Τζέφρι Ρίβερς και να κατανοήσω, όσο με αφήνει η συγγραφέας, τον χαρακτήρα της Βανέσα. Η κύρια πλοκή, όπως σημείωσα και πιο πριν, αφορά τη σωματική και ψυχολογική κακοποίηση μιας γυναίκας μέσα από μια παραμορφωτική αφήγηση που με έκανε να ρίχνω το φταίξιμο στη Βανέσα, τα πράγματα όμως φυσικά δεν είναι έτσι, αφού η συγγραφέας επέλεξε τον δικό της τρόπο για να φέρει στο φως την αλήθεια, κάνοντάς με να συνειδητοποιήσω πως τόσο καιρό δε διάβαζα για μια γυναίκα που άρχισε να «τα χάνει» (αν και αυτό βοηθάει να αποκρύπτονται πράγματα από τον αναγνώστη) αλλά για ένα θύμα που γινόταν με έξυπνο τρόπο υποχείριο ενός ανθρώπου που ήθελε να της κάνει κακό. Θα έφτανε όμως στον φόνο ή η αλήθεια κρύβεται κάπου αλλού;
Η πρωτοπρόσωπη αφήγηση με βοήθησε να κατανοήσω την αλληλουχία των γεγονότων που διαδραματίζονται πότε στο σήμερα και πότε στο χτες, με τη μαθήτρια του 1996 να αναρωτιέμαι διαρκώς ποια είναι και ποιον ρόλο θα έχει στις εξελίξεις. Η κλιμάκωση δημιουργεί τη σωστή ατμόσφαιρα προβληματισμού για το τι πραγματικά συμβαίνει και διάβαζα με κομμένη ανάσα κάθε κεφάλαιο. Σεργιάνισα στο «Σπίτι του Λαβύρινθου των Βάτων» και μπήκα στο μυαλό ενός ανθρώπου που κατάφερε να πετύχει στη ζωή του γιατί εύκολα και ανενδοίαστα υπέκλεψε ανθρώπινες ζωές για να μπολιάσει με αυτές τα κείμενά του που θα γεμίσουν μικρά παιδιά με ευχάριστες αναμνήσεις και θα τους χαρίσουν δύναμη και αυτοπεποίθηση. Αυτό λειτουργούσε ως αντίβαρο γιατί την ίδια στιγμή μια γυναίκα θα χάσει ακριβώς αυτά και θα γίνει υποχείριο ενός κακού ανθρώπου. Ίσως το επιμύθιο της κακοποίησης να αποτελείται από λόγια «παρηγοριάς» και «κουράγιου» που όλοι μας έχουμε ακούσει κι ίσως να μην έχουν τα θύματα τη δύναμη να τα ακολουθήσουν, πρέπει όμως να ξεθάψουν την αυτοπεποίθησή τους εγκαίρως, ώστε να μην πέσουν στον πάτο ενός βαρελιού όπου άλλοι τα έχουν ρίξει, εκμηδενίζοντας έτσι την προσωπικότητά τους. Η δικαίωση που επέρχεται είναι θετικά αποδεκτή κι ας πραγματοποιείται σπάνια στον αληθινό κόσμο (βάσει πάντα του ψυχολογικού πολέμου και των σκληρών δοκιμασιών που περιμένουν την κακοποιημένη γυναίκα όταν και αν προβεί σε μια τέτοια κίνηση).
Δυστυχώς το σασπένς και η έξυπνη ανάμιξη του σήμερα και του χτες, με τις προσεκτικά επιλεγμένες οπτικές γωνίες, δεν ήταν αρκετά για να κρατήσουν τη θετική μου γνώμη όταν έγινε η μεγάλη αποκάλυψη και τελείωσε το βιβλίο. Η εντύπωση που αποκόμισα έμοιαζε με το ότι είναι σα να έχουμε δύο παζλ που φαίνεται να τα έριξε κάποιος τυχαία στο ίδιο κουτί και μένει στον αναγνώστη να ξεδιαλέξει ποιο είναι κομμάτι ποιας ιστορίας. Η βασική αποκάλυψη που βάζει τα πράγματα στη θέση τους μου φάνηκε εντελώς παράταιρη με την καθαυτή ιστορία και μου δημιούργησε αμφιβολίες, όπως επίσης και το κίνητρο της δολοφονίας. Κατ’ εμέ, όλα αυτά είναι αστοχίες, ακριβώς γιατί ξέρω πως η συγγραφέας μπορεί να χειριστεί ένα μυθιστόρημα με τον καλύτερο τρόπο. Επίσης, ίσως επειδή από νωρίς έριξα τις υποψίες μου στην καλύτερη φίλη της Βανέσα, τη Λότι, μου φάνηκε ελαφρώς αμήχανος ο χειρισμός της από τη συγγραφέα όσο πλησιάζαμε στο τέλος, γιατί ήταν τόσο έντονα αρνητικά τα συναισθήματά της στην πορεία της πλοκής που δεν περίμενα αυτό το γλυκανάλατο φινάλε.
«Δεν είναι έγκλημα να θέλεις να είσαι κάποιος άλλος, να θέλεις να ζήσεις τη ζωή ενός άλλου. Είναι όμως έγκλημα να αφαιρείς μια ζωή…» (σελ. 131). Τελικά υπάρχει τέλεια ζωή; Είναι πραγματική ή τη δημιουργούμε στη φαντασία μας; Και γιατί; Το νέο μυθιστόρημα της Nuala Ellwood διαπραγματεύεται σημαντικά προβλήματα της σημερινής εποχής, όπως η κακοποίηση και οι συνέπειες της δημόσιας ανάρτησης των προσωπικών μας στιγμών στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, και τα εντάσσει έξυπνα σε μια αστυνομική ιστορία γεμάτη εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές. Οι επιμέρους εξελίξεις πάντως μάλλον τέμνονται βεβιασμένα, κάνοντάς τες να μοιάζουν ακόμη περισσότερο παράλληλες, παρ’ όλ’ αυτά η αγωνία είναι στα ύψη, οι εναλλαγές απανωτές και οι εξελίξεις απρόσμενες.
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: www.vivliokritikes.com/%ce%b7-%cf%84%...
Το νέο μυθιστόρημα της Nuala Ellwood αφορά τη σωματική και λεκτική κακοποίηση, καθώς και τα παιδικά ψυχολογικά τραύματα που κουβαλάει κανείς μαζί του για πάντα («Όλοι πρέπει να βρούμε έναν τρόπο να ξεπεράσουμε τα παιδικά μας χρόνια», σελ. 315) και δείχνει πόσο κακό κάνει στη ζωή μας η συνήθειά μας να ανεβάζουμε όλες μας τις προσωπικές στιγμές στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης. Αρχικά γνωρίζουμε τη Βανέσα Άνταμς και τη σχέση της με τον Κόνορ Ντόκινς, κάτι που θα επιφέρει προβλήματα στη φιλία της με τη Λότι. Ταυτόχρονα, η Βανέσα είναι εθισμένη στο να κοιτάει μεγάλα και πολυτελή σπίτια τα οποία δεν έχει ούτε θα αποκτήσει ποτέ την οικονομική ευχέρεια για να αγοράσει, παρ’ όλ’ αυτά, η αναζήτησή τους στο διαδίκτυο κατευνάζει τους φόβους της και σταματάει τις μαύρες σκέψεις. Μέχρι που ο ιδιοκτήτης ενός εξ αυτών δολοφονείται λίγα λεπτά μετά την αναχώρησή της.
Η σχέση της Βανέσα και του Κόνορ περνάει τα γνωστά στάδια που βιώνει ένα ζευγάρι: ενθουσιασμός, καλό σεξ, συγκατοίκηση, αρχίζουν όμως οι υποχρεώσεις, η κούραση και η μονοτονία να κερδίζουν όλο και περισσότερο χώρο. Θα μπορούσε να πει κανείς πως «Η τέλεια ζωή» είναι ένα καλό κοινωνικό μυθιστόρημα με την απαραίτητη χρυσόσκονη του ρομάντσου, επειδή όμως η Nuala Ellwood έχει γράψει ένα βιβλίο γεμάτο σασπένς και χιλιάδες ερωτηματικά που οδηγούν σε απανωτές εκπλήξεις, έπιασα τον εαυτό μου να ψάχνει στο κείμενο για δισημίες και υπονοούμενα, για ό,τι τέλος πάντων χρειάζεται που θα με βοηθήσει να ξεδιαλύνω τον γρίφο της δολοφονίας του Τζέφρι Ρίβερς και να κατανοήσω, όσο με αφήνει η συγγραφέας, τον χαρακτήρα της Βανέσα. Η κύρια πλοκή, όπως σημείωσα και πιο πριν, αφορά τη σωματική και ψυχολογική κακοποίηση μιας γυναίκας μέσα από μια παραμορφωτική αφήγηση που με έκανε να ρίχνω το φταίξιμο στη Βανέσα, τα πράγματα όμως φυσικά δεν είναι έτσι, αφού η συγγραφέας επέλεξε τον δικό της τρόπο για να φέρει στο φως την αλήθεια, κάνοντάς με να συνειδητοποιήσω πως τόσο καιρό δε διάβαζα για μια γυναίκα που άρχισε να «τα χάνει» (αν και αυτό βοηθάει να αποκρύπτονται πράγματα από τον αναγνώστη) αλλά για ένα θύμα που γινόταν με έξυπνο τρόπο υποχείριο ενός ανθρώπου που ήθελε να της κάνει κακό. Θα έφτανε όμως στον φόνο ή η αλήθεια κρύβεται κάπου αλλού;
Η πρωτοπρόσωπη αφήγηση με βοήθησε να κατανοήσω την αλληλουχία των γεγονότων που διαδραματίζονται πότε στο σήμερα και πότε στο χτες, με τη μαθήτρια του 1996 να αναρωτιέμαι διαρκώς ποια είναι και ποιον ρόλο θα έχει στις εξελίξεις. Η κλιμάκωση δημιουργεί τη σωστή ατμόσφαιρα προβληματισμού για το τι πραγματικά συμβαίνει και διάβαζα με κομμένη ανάσα κάθε κεφάλαιο. Σεργιάνισα στο «Σπίτι του Λαβύρινθου των Βάτων» και μπήκα στο μυαλό ενός ανθρώπου που κατάφερε να πετύχει στη ζωή του γιατί εύκολα και ανενδοίαστα υπέκλεψε ανθρώπινες ζωές για να μπολιάσει με αυτές τα κείμενά του που θα γεμίσουν μικρά παιδιά με ευχάριστες αναμνήσεις και θα τους χαρίσουν δύναμη και αυτοπεποίθηση. Αυτό λειτουργούσε ως αντίβαρο γιατί την ίδια στιγμή μια γυναίκα θα χάσει ακριβώς αυτά και θα γίνει υποχείριο ενός κακού ανθρώπου. Ίσως το επιμύθιο της κακοποίησης να αποτελείται από λόγια «παρηγοριάς» και «κουράγιου» που όλοι μας έχουμε ακούσει κι ίσως να μην έχουν τα θύματα τη δύναμη να τα ακολουθήσουν, πρέπει όμως να ξεθάψουν την αυτοπεποίθησή τους εγκαίρως, ώστε να μην πέσουν στον πάτο ενός βαρελιού όπου άλλοι τα έχουν ρίξει, εκμηδενίζοντας έτσι την προσωπικότητά τους. Η δικαίωση που επέρχεται είναι θετικά αποδεκτή κι ας πραγματοποιείται σπάνια στον αληθινό κόσμο (βάσει πάντα του ψυχολογικού πολέμου και των σκληρών δοκιμασιών που περιμένουν την κακοποιημένη γυναίκα όταν και αν προβεί σε μια τέτοια κίνηση).
Δυστυχώς το σασπένς και η έξυπνη ανάμιξη του σήμερα και του χτες, με τις προσεκτικά επιλεγμένες οπτικές γωνίες, δεν ήταν αρκετά για να κρατήσουν τη θετική μου γνώμη όταν έγινε η μεγάλη αποκάλυψη και τελείωσε το βιβλίο. Η εντύπωση που αποκόμισα έμοιαζε με το ότι είναι σα να έχουμε δύο παζλ που φαίνεται να τα έριξε κάποιος τυχαία στο ίδιο κουτί και μένει στον αναγνώστη να ξεδιαλέξει ποιο είναι κομμάτι ποιας ιστορίας. Η βασική αποκάλυψη που βάζει τα πράγματα στη θέση τους μου φάνηκε εντελώς παράταιρη με την καθαυτή ιστορία και μου δημιούργησε αμφιβολίες, όπως επίσης και το κίνητρο της δολοφονίας. Κατ’ εμέ, όλα αυτά είναι αστοχίες, ακριβώς γιατί ξέρω πως η συγγραφέας μπορεί να χειριστεί ένα μυθιστόρημα με τον καλύτερο τρόπο. Επίσης, ίσως επειδή από νωρίς έριξα τις υποψίες μου στην καλύτερη φίλη της Βανέσα, τη Λότι, μου φάνηκε ελαφρώς αμήχανος ο χειρισμός της από τη συγγραφέα όσο πλησιάζαμε στο τέλος, γιατί ήταν τόσο έντονα αρνητικά τα συναισθήματά της στην πορεία της πλοκής που δεν περίμενα αυτό το γλυκανάλατο φινάλε.
«Δεν είναι έγκλημα να θέλεις να είσαι κάποιος άλλος, να θέλεις να ζήσεις τη ζωή ενός άλλου. Είναι όμως έγκλημα να αφαιρείς μια ζωή…» (σελ. 131). Τελικά υπάρχει τέλεια ζωή; Είναι πραγματική ή τη δημιουργούμε στη φαντασία μας; Και γιατί; Το νέο μυθιστόρημα της Nuala Ellwood διαπραγματεύεται σημαντικά προβλήματα της σημερινής εποχής, όπως η κακοποίηση και οι συνέπειες της δημόσιας ανάρτησης των προσωπικών μας στιγμών στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, και τα εντάσσει έξυπνα σε μια αστυνομική ιστορία γεμάτη εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές. Οι επιμέρους εξελίξεις πάντως μάλλον τέμνονται βεβιασμένα, κάνοντάς τες να μοιάζουν ακόμη περισσότερο παράλληλες, παρ’ όλ’ αυτά η αγωνία είναι στα ύψη, οι εναλλαγές απανωτές και οι εξελίξεις απρόσμενες.
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: www.vivliokritikes.com/%ce%b7-%cf%84%...
July 24, 2021
‘It’s not a crime to want to be someone else, to live someone else’s life.’
We meet Vanessa Adams in 2018. She is living with her sister Georgie and her family. And then the police come calling. A man has been found dead, at a house Vanessa recently inspected (under a different name). Did Vanessa kill him?
When Vanessa meets Connor, she thinks that her dreams have been answered. Vanessa has been vulnerable since her mother died when she was young, and while she has the support of her sister Georgie and lives with her friend Lottie, Connor sweeps her off her feet. He seems perfect. But then things start to go horribly wrong. Vanessa has always been able to escape into her imagination: a particular author and stories are a connection with her mother and happier times. But while imagination is a great place to visit, it is not somewhere to live.
The story switches between past and present. But who can we trust? Connor seems genuine, while Vanessa certainly seems to have some issues to address. Several difficult topics are covered in this fast-paced psychological thriller and Ms Ellwood kept me guessing until close to the end of the story.
Did I enjoy this novel? I have mixed feelings. While I admire the way in which Ms Ellwood dealt with so many complex issues, for much of the story I was frustrated by Vanessa’s choices.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
We meet Vanessa Adams in 2018. She is living with her sister Georgie and her family. And then the police come calling. A man has been found dead, at a house Vanessa recently inspected (under a different name). Did Vanessa kill him?
When Vanessa meets Connor, she thinks that her dreams have been answered. Vanessa has been vulnerable since her mother died when she was young, and while she has the support of her sister Georgie and lives with her friend Lottie, Connor sweeps her off her feet. He seems perfect. But then things start to go horribly wrong. Vanessa has always been able to escape into her imagination: a particular author and stories are a connection with her mother and happier times. But while imagination is a great place to visit, it is not somewhere to live.
The story switches between past and present. But who can we trust? Connor seems genuine, while Vanessa certainly seems to have some issues to address. Several difficult topics are covered in this fast-paced psychological thriller and Ms Ellwood kept me guessing until close to the end of the story.
Did I enjoy this novel? I have mixed feelings. While I admire the way in which Ms Ellwood dealt with so many complex issues, for much of the story I was frustrated by Vanessa’s choices.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 13, 2022
...pradejus skaityt, nesupratau, nei kas, nei kaip, nei apie ka... Na, toks kratinys, apie kaska, o pagrindinis veikejas, na svelniai sakant, trenktas... Noriu-Nenoriu Darysiu-Nedarysiu Suprantu-Nesuprantu...
Taciau, tas mazas kirmeliukas sake, skaityk toliau, na, turi kaskas buti ir buvo 😌
Super gerai suregzta istorija, erzinanti, bet ir itraukianti, bei nepaleidzianti...
Taciau, tas mazas kirmeliukas sake, skaityk toliau, na, turi kaskas buti ir buvo 😌
Super gerai suregzta istorija, erzinanti, bet ir itraukianti, bei nepaleidzianti...
November 20, 2022
I tried to get into the plot a few times but it really did not grab my attention. It was mainly because I didn't like any of the characters or story overall.
Thank You to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for this ARC!
Thank You to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for this ARC!
May 7, 2021
I think this is her best book yet, but it's not perfect. The pacing was great and I found it hard to put the book down in the beginning. It lost something in the middle and I found I was putting it down as the protagonist's behaviour was a bit OTT and cringy but then it got it's mojo back and we get an understanding about what was happening in her life and relationships. There were a few things that I feel were left too unexplained for my liking, but overall a great read.
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