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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Stranger Behind You in Books

Jul 15, 2021

The Stranger Behind You

Carol Goodman | 2021 | Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences, Thriller

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

An atmospheric and twisty thriller

Reporter Joan Lurie becomes famous when her story in Manhatta exposes Globe owner Caspar Osgood as a sexual harasser. But as she returns home the night of the publication, she's attacked in her apartment. Terrified and feeling ill from a severe blow to the head, she moves to a super secure building in Manhattan, called the Refuge, to write a book that further details what she's discovered about Casper. At the Refuge, she meets her elderly neighbor, Lillian, who has lived there since it was the Magdalen Laundry and Refuge for Fallen Women in the 1940s. She becomes sucked into Lillian's stories, which often remind Joan of her own life. Meanwhile, Caspar's wife Melissa must deal with the aftermath of learning her husband is sexual predator. Soon, these women's lives will intertwine: in potentially dangerous ways.

"I'm here because four weeks ago someone tried to kill me."

This was an often confusing but incredibly intriguing book that combines the #MeToo movement with a story about wayward girls. You're never quite sure what's going on, as Joan can be an unreliable narrator (head injury + fear, anyone?), leaving one feeling very off balance for the entire book. There's a story within a story here, as Joan goes after Caspar and his transgressions, combined with Lillian's story and her past.

"What kind of person is more concerned about their hard drive than their body?"

I loved the 1940s piece, learning about Lily, the Magdalen laundry, and the Refuge when it was a home for girls. It's fascinating even while being quite sad. Joan could be a very frustrating character (just go to the doctor for your head injury and stop drinking already), but you cannot fault her reporting skills. Caspar's wife Melissa adds a certain depth to the tale, as she wrestles with what her husband has done. Telling the story from Joan and Melissa's point of view really expands what we learn. This is also an atmospheric read, with the Refuge becoming its own character, especially as we learn about its history from the 1940s on. Goodman is always excellent at setting the scene.

While I sometimes found this book frustrating, it was also a page-turner, with compelling characters and an interesting story with some great twists. 4 stars.

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saheffernan (157 KP) rated City of Girls in Books

Apr 11, 2020

City of Girls

Elizabeth Gilbert | 2019 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry

10.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

This book starts with 19 year old Vivan writing to women about how she came to know and what she possibly was to this womens father. It takes us on her journey of 1940s New York through the war and after how the world changed. Vivian does focus a lot on Vivian but the story is hers to tell, and she isn't shy about her faults. I loved her and I have to say there were things she did, said and felt that I feel came directly out of me. Elizabeth Gilbert worte a beautiful story that took at times a slow pace but still felt as though my time was valuable in experiencing the whole story. Now were are my pearls and a good cocktail ...