Location: Vermont Type: Physical book
Timeline: non-linear Genre: thriller
Narration: multiple narrators
Review:
Stars: 4
*This review contains spoilers*
This was not my favorite book but it was my favorite, so far, by this author. I have questions about things written in the letter at the end. When was it written exactly? When did Jeremy try to kill Verity before?
This book kept my interest and I found myself reading it every moment I could. I liked the mixture of romance and psych-thriller. There was a heavy sex presence throughout the novel but I don't think it reached a smutty level. Sexual situations were explained but I did not find them overly descriptive.
There were many trigger worthy situations presented throughout the novel. I would not suggest this book to someone easily triggered.
Overall I enjoyed this book enough to read more by this author. I wish I could read Verity's novels though. I think I would really like them.
Sex:
Sexual encounters are not incredibly detailed however word such as "pussy" and "dick/cock" are used.
Language:
Fuck: 70
Ass: 3
Bitch: 3
Shit: 9
GD: 9
Cunt: 1
This was read before I started counting "pussy" and "dick/cock" and L in V. I am unsure how many times those are used in this book.
Triggers:
Child/infant death
cancer
attempted self-abortions
killing of animals
challenges of home medical care
Questions:
In chapter 1, the narrator, Lowen, talks about there being two types of people who move to the big city: those who want to be discovered and those who want to live unnoticed.
Why do you think someone would want to live life unnoticed?
Which of the two do you most identify with? Why?
What do you think about the relationship between Corey and Lowen?
Do you think it was appropriate to have a romantic and then sexual relationship while also maintaining a professional relationship?
In chapter 2 Lowen makes this statement:
"I think the idea of me is better than the reality of me."
What do you think she meant by that?
In what ways (if any) do you find this true in your life?
Verity uses the term "chronics" to describe people "who face tragedy after tragedy."
Do you have an example of a chronic, whether personally or in history?
How did they handle the tragedies?
Toward the beginning of the novel, Lowen lacks confidence in a lot of ways.
Why do you think that is?
Does it help her be a better writer? Why or why not?
Before Lowen reads the autobiography she states that Verity's series is written from the villans point of view.
Why do you think Verity chose to write in that manner?
Have you read a book from that view point before?
At the end of Verity's autobiography chapter 1 she says Jeremy loved her more than anything "until he discovered the one thing that meant more to him than I did."
What was your first impression on what this "thing" might be?
What gave you that impression?
At the end of chapter 2 of Verity's autobiography she leaves us with a warning that there is "darkness ahead."
What did you think the darkness might be before reading chapter 3?
In chapter 3 of the autobiography Jeremy and Verity discuss the difference between their love and the love they have for their children. Jeremy said his love for Verity was not unconditional but the love for his unborn children was.
What are your thoughts?
Do you agree with Jeremy?
Throughout the novel Lowen makes comments about Jeremy's looks and her fantasies of being with him.
Do you think this is appropriate behavior?
Why or why not?
In chapter 9 Verity is described as a person who does not move or speak; yet, after the injury to Crew, Lowen states "I remind myself that everyone talks about Verity in present tense. The nurse, Jeremy, Crew."
Why do you think that is?
To whom is it meant to benefit?
At what point do you think Lowen and Jeremy's relationship become inappropriate?
What behavior/thoughts from Verity's autobiography show normal for a parent?
Which are abnormal?
Do you think Verity was or could have been a good mother?
We get a glimpse into Verity's upbringing. Her parents were cold and distanced themselves from her.
Do you think Verity's own mothering was just mirroring how she grew up?
Lowen makes a connection between her mother and Verity. She says that her mother was a lot like Verity.
Do you think this plays a major part in why Lowen doesn't feel comfortable around Verity?
Why or why not?
Lowen suggests Verity is faking her condition.
What are your thoughts on this as you read the book?
In the novel the balance of romantic love and love for your children is a little blurry.
Do you think Jeremy should have put his wife before his kids?
Do you think it is situational when one should be over the other?
Do you think the love Jeremy had for Verity, BEFORE reading the manuscript, was unconditional?
Why or why not?
Which characters, if any, do you find to be reliable?
Why or why not?
Do you think Verity was telling the truth in the manuscript or the letter?
Why did you choose one over the other?
In your opinion, who is the villain in this story?
Is there a protagonist?
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