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errski's review against another edition
5.0
I'm between 4 and 5 stars, but the ending was 5 stars so, 4.5 stars? Yeah the book was exciting, creepy, and ... guilty(!!?). Some of the story I didnt like, mainly the main character's (maybe author's) opinion on some things, but could be a cultural thing... for me personally this doesnt take too much away from the story itself. The ending is great, I won't say I was surprised by it, but it was still a good ending.
justinkhchen's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
Utilizing tropes common in domestic thrillers, The Secret Talker is a lyrical study on buried secrets, deceptive harmony, and wandering desire in a seemingly steady marriage.
Once you accept the rather archaic method of exchange Geling Yan chose as the primary narrative device (it has been a long time since I personally write / receive meaningful, lengthy emails; texting and other apps have since taken its place.), it's a rather effective storytelling device; organically revealing events in a stream of consciousness manner, providing suspense and twist without feeling overtly manipulative.
Being an #ownvoices novel, the Chinese protagonist feels authentic, and her cultural background and upbringing is what validate the realism of The Secret Talker's narrative; the trope can only be sustained convincingly with a conflicting immigrated Chinese's state of mind: glorification of the Western culture (and maintaining it at all cost), internal turmoil beneath a placid facade (unwilling to be seen broken), and disdain, but the same time, nostalgic for one's humbled root.
The ending twist is emotionally rewarding, if not The Sixth Sense level surprisingly, nor as flawlessly executed. The puzzle pieces come together abruptly with many conveniences, as if the author has hit the minimum page count for the assignment, rather than letting the narrative reach its resolution in an appropriate pacing. This shortcoming aside, the reveal does warrant The Secret Talker a second read-through, as it alters the reader's interpretation of a specific character.
The Secret Talker is more literary fiction than thriller, it uses suspenseful scenarios as catalyst to deep dive into a character's psyche, rather than purely for their shock value. If you are a fan of beautiful prose and well-rounded, flawed protagonist, this book is worth a try.
***This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!***
Utilizing tropes common in domestic thrillers, The Secret Talker is a lyrical study on buried secrets, deceptive harmony, and wandering desire in a seemingly steady marriage.
Once you accept the rather archaic method of exchange Geling Yan chose as the primary narrative device (it has been a long time since I personally write / receive meaningful, lengthy emails; texting and other apps have since taken its place.), it's a rather effective storytelling device; organically revealing events in a stream of consciousness manner, providing suspense and twist without feeling overtly manipulative.
Being an #ownvoices novel, the Chinese protagonist feels authentic, and her cultural background and upbringing is what validate the realism of The Secret Talker's narrative; the trope can only be sustained convincingly with a conflicting immigrated Chinese's state of mind: glorification of the Western culture (and maintaining it at all cost), internal turmoil beneath a placid facade (unwilling to be seen broken), and disdain, but the same time, nostalgic for one's humbled root.
The ending twist is emotionally rewarding, if not The Sixth Sense level surprisingly, nor as flawlessly executed. The puzzle pieces come together abruptly with many conveniences, as if the author has hit the minimum page count for the assignment, rather than letting the narrative reach its resolution in an appropriate pacing. This shortcoming aside, the reveal does warrant The Secret Talker a second read-through, as it alters the reader's interpretation of a specific character.
The Secret Talker is more literary fiction than thriller, it uses suspenseful scenarios as catalyst to deep dive into a character's psyche, rather than purely for their shock value. If you are a fan of beautiful prose and well-rounded, flawed protagonist, this book is worth a try.
***This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!***
natlren's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.75
Wildly underwhelming. I think there were a lot of really interesting themes in this, but it (ironically) felt too long, all things considered.
zimmerea's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Interesting novel that benefits from a close reading. Might be worth a reread having all context.
eavers's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
zmeiat's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
It was alright, but not as commpeling as it ought to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Stalking, and Infidelity
Moderate: Fatphobia and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Addiction
shelfexplanatory's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a fast-paced read that follows a Chinese woman named Hongmei, as she begins corresponding over email with the "Secret Talker," a mysterious admirer. Hongmei immediately feels drawn towards the secret talker as she plays cat-and-mouse throughout the book.
At its core, THE SECRET TALKER revolves around the idea of sexual attraction. In a way, Yan takes the concept of Asian fetishization and shows us how it can work in the reverse. When reflecting on why she was attracted to current her husband, Glen, Hongmei hones in on his American-ness. Glen's mannerisms seem exotic to Hongmei when she first meets him in China, but this quickly fades once she moves to the US to be with him.
Hongmei finds satisfaction in the pursuit, which is what draws her to the Secret Talker even when it becomes apparent that they are stalking her. As a result, she makes some very questionable and frustrating decisions throughout the book.
The ending felt a bit rushed albeit predictable. Even then, I was left wondering what kind of implications the reader was supposed to draw after the Secret Talker's identity was revealed.
cw: stalking, abortion, sexual abuse of a minor
This book is a fast-paced read that follows a Chinese woman named Hongmei, as she begins corresponding over email with the "Secret Talker," a mysterious admirer. Hongmei immediately feels drawn towards the secret talker as she plays cat-and-mouse throughout the book.
At its core, THE SECRET TALKER revolves around the idea of sexual attraction. In a way, Yan takes the concept of Asian fetishization and shows us how it can work in the reverse. When reflecting on why she was attracted to current her husband, Glen, Hongmei hones in on his American-ness. Glen's mannerisms seem exotic to Hongmei when she first meets him in China, but this quickly fades once she moves to the US to be with him.
Hongmei finds satisfaction in the pursuit, which is what draws her to the Secret Talker even when it becomes apparent that they are stalking her. As a result, she makes some very questionable and frustrating decisions throughout the book.
The ending felt a bit rushed albeit predictable. Even then, I was left wondering what kind of implications the reader was supposed to draw after the Secret Talker's identity was revealed.
cw: stalking, abortion, sexual abuse of a minor
vomiii's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, WHAT A PLOT TWIST! Our main character, Hongmei, starts receiving emails from an unknown user who describes her in explicit detail and surprisingly enough, Hongmei is not alarmed by this. In fact, she’s intrigued. As time goes on, the connection between Hongmei and the stranger online grows deeper.
She begins to reveal things to the secret talker (or more like stalker) that her own husband, Glen, does not know about. And, I find this bit so interesting! We as humans are willing to expose our deepest, darkest secret to a faceless character behind a screen but wouldn’t dare utter those same things in real life. Perhaps, Hongmei found comfort in knowing that this stranger knew nothing about her. I also believe the stranger felt the same way because he tells Hongmei about his daughter and apparent “suicide”. There was even this part where he gaslit Hongmei to thinking he was a woman (THE PLOT THICKENS….) but then switches up again. Even when Hongmei would get a new email, he’d always find it and I’m like ??? Alright, jokes over.
Fast forward to the end, Hongmei connects the dots and realizes that the secret talker is GLEN (cue mind explosion!!!). Even I WAS SHOCKED. But, I thought back to all the past occurrences, and slowly, everything started to make sense. I wonder why Glen didn’t communicate this to Hongmei; same with Hongmei. I wonder if this whole fiasco will make their marriage even stronger. I wonder, I wonder, I wonder.
She begins to reveal things to the secret talker (or more like stalker) that her own husband, Glen, does not know about. And, I find this bit so interesting! We as humans are willing to expose our deepest, darkest secret to a faceless character behind a screen but wouldn’t dare utter those same things in real life. Perhaps, Hongmei found comfort in knowing that this stranger knew nothing about her. I also believe the stranger felt the same way because he tells Hongmei about his daughter and apparent “suicide”. There was even this part where he gaslit Hongmei to thinking he was a woman (THE PLOT THICKENS….) but then switches up again. Even when Hongmei would get a new email, he’d always find it and I’m like ??? Alright, jokes over.
Fast forward to the end, Hongmei connects the dots and realizes that the secret talker is GLEN (cue mind explosion!!!). Even I WAS SHOCKED. But, I thought back to all the past occurrences, and slowly, everything started to make sense. I wonder why Glen didn’t communicate this to Hongmei; same with Hongmei. I wonder if this whole fiasco will make their marriage even stronger. I wonder, I wonder, I wonder.