The Farm
Book
Jane is a Filipino immigrant trying hard to support her baby daughter. Reagan is white, educated...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Girl Before in Books
Jan 21, 2018
THE GIRL BEFORE is a fascinating novel told solely from the point of view of Emma, One Folgate Street's previous tenant, and Jane, its current tenant. All activities are filtered through the lens of these two women. The novel effectively builds suspense with the parallel nature of the two women's stories, but it also can get a little repetitive at times (and sometimes a little confusing, as you have to remind yourself, mostly in the beginning, who is talking). The book starts off exciting, as you are drawn into both Emma and Jane's tales while they acclimate to the house and all the oddities it offers. The house itself almost becomes another character in the novel. It starts to drag a bit halfway through as you wonder what will happen in the next half (people living in a technologically advanced house can only be so exciting, right?). But then, suddenly, the novel takes some odd turns (there are some interesting sexual plot twists) and eventually grows quite interesting again with some psychological and thrilling revelations. Perhaps my favorite part about this book is that many of these developments truly surprised me, which isn't always easy to do in a thriller.
Overall, this is an interesting novel. It's certainly suspenseful and different. To enjoy it, you really have to set your disbelief aside at the actual conditions of living at One Folgate Street (no books, what?!) and accept that the two women are so broken (and perhaps broke, as the house apparently comes at a great discount) that they will go along with anything. It has a lot of varied plot threads and some of them aren't always fully explored or truly necessary, which can be a little frustrating. Still, the book truly surprised me with its twists and kept me entertained, with a deep desire to get to the end. Overall, 3.5+ stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
Safe House - Season 2
TV Season Watch
Tom (Stephen Moyer) and Sam’s (Zoe Tapper) world is turned upside down when news of a shocking...
Crime
Poltergeist (2015)
Movie
All seems well for Eric Bowen (Sam Rockwell), wife Amy (Rosemarie DeWitt) and their three children...
Sanditon and Other Stories
Book
In time for the highly-awaited TV series, a new edition of Jane Austen’s delightful final work,...
Super-Cannes
Book
Long-regarded as one of the true visionary writers of the twentieth century, J.G. Ballard was one of...
Northanger Abbey
Book
The Penguin English Library Edition of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen 'To look almost pretty, is an...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Wife Upstairs in Books
Jan 7, 2021
Jane is a dog-walker in the glamorous Thornfield Estates subdivision. Until she meets Eddie Rochester. Widowed, Eddie is Thornfield's most talked about resident. His wife, Bertha "Bea" Rochester--founder of the Southern Manor line of furniture and accessories--died in a boating accident with her best friend, though Bea's body was never found. As Jane gets to know Eddie, she can't help but fall for him: he's rich, handsome, and protective. He can offer her a life of security and love that she's never had. But she's also fascinated by the tale of Bea, who built herself up from nothing through her company. Can she ever compare to Bea--and win Eddie's heart? And what really happened the night Bea and Blanche died?
"...and later, I'd look back at that moment and wonder if I somehow knew what was going to happen. If everything in my life had been leading me to that one spot, to that one house. To him."
I read this book solely because it's billed as a loose retelling of Jane Eyre, which is one of my absolute favorite books. Loose is definitely the right word for it, but this also a gloriously fun read with some exciting twists and turns.
The Wife Upstairs is a page-turner that kept me frantically reading. Yes, parts of it are somewhat predictable, but Eddie is a fascinating rogue and Jane a mysterious lead. Who is telling the truth, what happened in the past, and what on earth is going on now--you'll find yourself swirled up in all these questions as you flip the pages.
Overall, this a foreboding and enjoyable thriller, with plenty to entertain its readers. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Innocent Traitor
Book
I am now a condemned traitor . . . I am to die when I have hardly begun to live. Historical...
MoMoBookDiary (20 KP) rated The Girl Before in Books
Sep 30, 2018
I found myself dreaming of living in One Folgate Street, where one rule is that nothing is lying around – everything is tidy. Well my house isn’t like that but I would love for it to be… but then I enjoy my things around me and I am sure I would find it much more difficult that Emma or Jane did.
Thanks to JP Delaney, Quercus Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the sampler and the full novel. Highly recommended reading!!