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3.25 AVERAGE
3.25 AVERAGE
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
First of all, major trigger warnings for detailed, descriptive rape and sexual assault.
I love books with dual timelines, and this one started out great. All the suspense of how the two timelines would intersect kept me intrigued until about halfway through. Once I figured out who Julianne was, and how she fit into the 90s timeline, I knew exactly what was going to happen, which I guess isn't a bad thing, because the 'twist' isn't what this book is all about.
The story deals with many important themes, especially when it comes to going away to university, making friends, and leaving the comfort of that high school bubble. Holly's character is the personification of all the insecurities and fears that most kids going to a school outside of their general economic background. In her case, she's going from a public school background to Oxford, and is surrounded by a bunch of rich kids who come from upper middle class or wealthy families, and have a very different lifestyle to one that she is used to. Ally and the boys are contrasted with the two other girls from her class Holly is vaguely friends with, though they aren't in the story very long. Along with Ally comes the pressure to fit in, versus Holly's own strong will to stick to her morals and upbringing, which ultimately weathers away due to the general peer pressure.
The book highlights the culture of sex, drugs and alcohol that surrounds college, and starkly outlines the inherent misogyny in it all, that no one likes to talk about. There is the snobbish, brash and overtly sexist boy, the quiet, nerdy boy, and the charming, good boy, all different versions of the same- and we get to see the dangers of trusting the wrong people, girls who are too absorbed in their own lives to protect other girls, girls who would rather stay quiet and stand up for what is right, girls who are too scared of being judged to come forward and report a rape- very real and very true to real life.
What I didn't think was necessary was the detailed descriptions of rape and sexual violence. While I agree that it is important that we talk about these things in detail, at times the writing felt too fantastical, almost blending the two very different kinds of sex; rough sex, and rape. Though consent was well described, the distinction or line between rough sex and rape felt a little blurry, especially in the boys reasoning/explanation of the rape.
To me, this book deals well with some important subject matter, but it isn't the best of it's kind. The revelations at the end didn't make sense, nor did Julianne's actions. There were a few chapters that felt unnecessary, I found myself biding time until something actually happened. And since the chapters are split between two girls, victim and bystander, I would have loved a bit more on the aftermath of the whole thing, just wrapping things up in the short epilogue felt a little abrupt, especially with the way things were rushed to a close in the last few chapters.
First of all, major trigger warnings for detailed, descriptive rape and sexual assault.
I love books with dual timelines, and this one started out great. All the suspense of how the two timelines would intersect kept me intrigued until about halfway through. Once I figured out who Julianne was, and how she fit into the 90s timeline, I knew exactly what was going to happen, which I guess isn't a bad thing, because the 'twist' isn't what this book is all about.
The story deals with many important themes, especially when it comes to going away to university, making friends, and leaving the comfort of that high school bubble. Holly's character is the personification of all the insecurities and fears that most kids going to a school outside of their general economic background. In her case, she's going from a public school background to Oxford, and is surrounded by a bunch of rich kids who come from upper middle class or wealthy families, and have a very different lifestyle to one that she is used to. Ally and the boys are contrasted with the two other girls from her class Holly is vaguely friends with, though they aren't in the story very long. Along with Ally comes the pressure to fit in, versus Holly's own strong will to stick to her morals and upbringing, which ultimately weathers away due to the general peer pressure.
The book highlights the culture of sex, drugs and alcohol that surrounds college, and starkly outlines the inherent misogyny in it all, that no one likes to talk about. There is the snobbish, brash and overtly sexist boy, the quiet, nerdy boy, and the charming, good boy, all different versions of the same- and we get to see the dangers of trusting the wrong people, girls who are too absorbed in their own lives to protect other girls, girls who would rather stay quiet and stand up for what is right, girls who are too scared of being judged to come forward and report a rape- very real and very true to real life.
What I didn't think was necessary was the detailed descriptions of rape and sexual violence. While I agree that it is important that we talk about these things in detail, at times the writing felt too fantastical, almost blending the two very different kinds of sex; rough sex, and rape. Though consent was well described, the distinction or line between rough sex and rape felt a little blurry, especially in the boys reasoning/explanation of the rape.
To me, this book deals well with some important subject matter, but it isn't the best of it's kind. The revelations at the end didn't make sense, nor did Julianne's actions. There were a few chapters that felt unnecessary, I found myself biding time until something actually happened. And since the chapters are split between two girls, victim and bystander, I would have loved a bit more on the aftermath of the whole thing, just wrapping things up in the short epilogue felt a little abrupt, especially with the way things were rushed to a close in the last few chapters.
Steamed through this book in a few days which I haven’t done for a long time! There’s some pretty tough scenes to read but it all adds to the twisting story seen from different perspectives and time periods ... looking forward to B P Walter’s next book!!
This book has no bearing on the cover which has left me perplexed.
However, I really did enjoy this book.
The novel has a dual timeline between the present day and Oxford University in the 1990's. In present day Julianne's son Stephen finds something in the family Dropbox account which will change their life. It appears James, Julianne's husband and Stephen's father, has accidently transferred the document in there.
In the 1990s Holly is an Oxford freshman who is 'adopted' by the higher echelons, She falls for James, but James is going out with Julianne. What follows can be at times a disturbing read. There is lots of graphic sex that may not appeal to every reader, but its necessary as the central theme is rape as a form of power.
The only reason this is 4 stars and not 5 as I felt he ending was a bit quick, and would have liked less time spent in Oxford and more time on the villains getting their comeuppance. Is there a second novel coming out I wonder?
However, I really did enjoy this book.
The novel has a dual timeline between the present day and Oxford University in the 1990's. In present day Julianne's son Stephen finds something in the family Dropbox account which will change their life. It appears James, Julianne's husband and Stephen's father, has accidently transferred the document in there.
In the 1990s Holly is an Oxford freshman who is 'adopted' by the higher echelons, She falls for James, but James is going out with Julianne. What follows can be at times a disturbing read. There is lots of graphic sex that may not appeal to every reader, but its necessary as the central theme is rape as a form of power.
The only reason this is 4 stars and not 5 as I felt he ending was a bit quick, and would have liked less time spent in Oxford and more time on the villains getting their comeuppance. Is there a second novel coming out I wonder?
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A thrilling tale centred on the life of Julianne and Holly and how they have something in common - a dark secret that would ruin their lives if it got out to the wrong people. This book does deal with some heavy topics - gang rape, rape, male-on-male sex, homosexual characters, racism, and homophobia. It definitely won't be for everyone, and not for the lighthearted. I found this to be a great read, and although it took me far too long to realise what was going on, the implications throughout the book and the flashbacks to their time in college slowly made it more and more obvious, and I cannot explain the slow dread the builds as you get further into the book and realise exactly what is going on.
The characters all have flaws, and most are unlikable - especially the best friend, and brother of. I hated the husband in the beginning, and he honestly didn't get any better towards the end when certain events are revealed. This book perfectly captured everything it wanted to, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants something that deals with heavier topics in a tactful and purposeful way. No event seemed out of place or solely there for shock value, which I appreciated.
4 stars. Would happily read again.
The characters all have flaws, and most are unlikable - especially the best friend, and brother of. I hated the husband in the beginning, and he honestly didn't get any better towards the end when certain events are revealed. This book perfectly captured everything it wanted to, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants something that deals with heavier topics in a tactful and purposeful way. No event seemed out of place or solely there for shock value, which I appreciated.
4 stars. Would happily read again.
Julianne discovers her husband might be hiding something; something that started with their days at university.
I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows two connected timelines - the modern day Julianne, who is married to James; and the 90's Holly, who has a major crush on James when they both attend Oxford.
I was worried, coming into this book, after reading some reviews about the trigger warnings, that it wouldn't be for me; but I actually thought the author did it well. Rape, and gang rape does happen because it's part of the plot, but it doesn't go into detail, and it doesn't glory in it. It's a horrible experience, and has long-standing consequences for the victim.
I felt that the author did a really good job in creating a statement on the flaws in our society, and how some things haven't changed in the last thirty years. There's an underlying sense that the victim is to blame, which is echoed by her friends and family, and general atmosphere of boys will be boys. It's a disturbing picture, that is disgustingly familiar.
The casual homophobia is written in the same way. It's wrong, you want to scream at the characters that it's wrong, as they carry on with their unfounded and hurtful remarks, all the while participating in gay sex.
That being said - did I enjoy this book? No.
For all that I appreciate what the author is trying to convey, and I do think they did a good job - that's not the sort of book I go for.
I picked this book up, because I was under the misconception this was some sort of psychological thriller. This is definitely not a thriller.
There are no twists, there are no surprises. It follows the lives of two women, and the men that betray them.
Aside from that, I did not like our narrators. Holly (the 90's timeline) is dull, and overly-occupied with boys and the fact that she isn't sexually active, when all of her friends are constantly talking about sex. For a girl that got into Oxford on a scholarship, and the first of her family to get into uni - she has no passion for her studies, and no interests outside the already mentioned boys and sex obsession.
Julianne (current timeline) is also dull. She's pretty but vacant. The American wife of an upper-class gentleman, the only role she plays is "James' wife". She has no personality beyond this. No hobbies, no thoughts of her own.
I felt pity for both of our leading ladies, but couldn't relate to them, or like them enough to be truly invested in their story.
I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows two connected timelines - the modern day Julianne, who is married to James; and the 90's Holly, who has a major crush on James when they both attend Oxford.
I was worried, coming into this book, after reading some reviews about the trigger warnings, that it wouldn't be for me; but I actually thought the author did it well. Rape, and gang rape does happen because it's part of the plot, but it doesn't go into detail, and it doesn't glory in it. It's a horrible experience, and has long-standing consequences for the victim.
I felt that the author did a really good job in creating a statement on the flaws in our society, and how some things haven't changed in the last thirty years. There's an underlying sense that the victim is to blame, which is echoed by her friends and family, and general atmosphere of boys will be boys. It's a disturbing picture, that is disgustingly familiar.
The casual homophobia is written in the same way. It's wrong, you want to scream at the characters that it's wrong, as they carry on with their unfounded and hurtful remarks, all the while participating in gay sex.
That being said - did I enjoy this book? No.
For all that I appreciate what the author is trying to convey, and I do think they did a good job - that's not the sort of book I go for.
I picked this book up, because I was under the misconception this was some sort of psychological thriller. This is definitely not a thriller.
There are no twists, there are no surprises. It follows the lives of two women, and the men that betray them.
Aside from that, I did not like our narrators. Holly (the 90's timeline) is dull, and overly-occupied with boys and the fact that she isn't sexually active, when all of her friends are constantly talking about sex. For a girl that got into Oxford on a scholarship, and the first of her family to get into uni - she has no passion for her studies, and no interests outside the already mentioned boys and sex obsession.
Julianne (current timeline) is also dull. She's pretty but vacant. The American wife of an upper-class gentleman, the only role she plays is "James' wife". She has no personality beyond this. No hobbies, no thoughts of her own.
I felt pity for both of our leading ladies, but couldn't relate to them, or like them enough to be truly invested in their story.
A version of the truth
2019: Julianne is preparing for a dinner when her son shows her something he found on his iPad that will turn her world upside down.
1990: Holly is a freshman at oxford university, when she falls into a friendship that live a different lifestyle than what Holly is used to.
This is a very dark and sinister story and reminded me a lot of the films ‘Hostel’. Many of the characters are meant to be unlike able and I think that worked well with the story.
I enjoyed this debut and will definitely read more from this author!
Trigger warnings for rape, gang rape, sexual abuse.
2019: Julianne is preparing for a dinner when her son shows her something he found on his iPad that will turn her world upside down.
1990: Holly is a freshman at oxford university, when she falls into a friendship that live a different lifestyle than what Holly is used to.
This is a very dark and sinister story and reminded me a lot of the films ‘Hostel’. Many of the characters are meant to be unlike able and I think that worked well with the story.
I enjoyed this debut and will definitely read more from this author!
Trigger warnings for rape, gang rape, sexual abuse.
I have to admit, after reading some seriously negative reviews on this book prior to reading, I didn't have the highest expectations. But that worked in my favour because my expectations were massively exceeded in this case. I thought the story was excellent and highlighted harrowing incidents that are difficult to read but are also known to happen and I commend the author for not being afraid to express this in story form. He took a dark and disturbing subject and tackled it perfectly - he didn't sensitise the nature of events but wrote them as it might happen in reality.
The story is divided into two parts:
Oxford 1990 - Holly has just started University and is befriended by her roommate Ally. Unlike Holly, Ally and her twin Ernest are from privileged backgrounds and fit right into the Oxford stereotype. Holly is brought into their group of friends but feels like she doesn't fit in and broods quietly at most of the social gatherings. She develops strong feelings for one member of the group and is disappointed to find out he has a girlfriend. But when an opportunity presents itself during a game of spin the bottle, she plays, not forseeing the sinister and life-changing outcome she will have to live with forever.
London 2019 - Whilst preparing dinner, Juliette is approached by her teenage son saying he has found something questionable on the iPad. Shocked and confused by the content, Juliette's world comes crashing down when she realises her happy family life is about to be torn apart... and events that happened back at University over 25 years ago are about to be dragged back to the surface.
There are definite triggers in this book but they are necessary to drive home the seriousness and raise awareness. You don't have to agree with or support the events of the book (like rape, sexual violence etc) but I can't deny that it crafted by an excellent author who built his characters based on certain stereotypes that we may not like - but it works.
Using stereotypes does not mean that all privileged white men commit violence against women or that all young female students are impressionable once plied with alcohol. It most certainly does not mean that all women who say yes initially during sex can't then change their mind. This is the awareness that I feel needs to be highlighted. The author does not inject his own personal opinion, it is a very detached perspective and that makes the story all the more real, despite being a work of fiction. I connected with the characters, rooting for the victims and despising the perps. I also had sympathy, knowing how easy it can be to fall in with the wrong crowd and end up being peer pressured to do things you might not normally do.
Overall it was an excellent novel that tackled difficult themes in an unbiased way, enabling the reader to see from all perspectives.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free digital copy or this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is divided into two parts:
Oxford 1990 - Holly has just started University and is befriended by her roommate Ally. Unlike Holly, Ally and her twin Ernest are from privileged backgrounds and fit right into the Oxford stereotype. Holly is brought into their group of friends but feels like she doesn't fit in and broods quietly at most of the social gatherings. She develops strong feelings for one member of the group and is disappointed to find out he has a girlfriend. But when an opportunity presents itself during a game of spin the bottle, she plays, not forseeing the sinister and life-changing outcome she will have to live with forever.
London 2019 - Whilst preparing dinner, Juliette is approached by her teenage son saying he has found something questionable on the iPad. Shocked and confused by the content, Juliette's world comes crashing down when she realises her happy family life is about to be torn apart... and events that happened back at University over 25 years ago are about to be dragged back to the surface.
There are definite triggers in this book but they are necessary to drive home the seriousness and raise awareness. You don't have to agree with or support the events of the book (like rape, sexual violence etc) but I can't deny that it crafted by an excellent author who built his characters based on certain stereotypes that we may not like - but it works.
Using stereotypes does not mean that all privileged white men commit violence against women or that all young female students are impressionable once plied with alcohol. It most certainly does not mean that all women who say yes initially during sex can't then change their mind. This is the awareness that I feel needs to be highlighted. The author does not inject his own personal opinion, it is a very detached perspective and that makes the story all the more real, despite being a work of fiction. I connected with the characters, rooting for the victims and despising the perps. I also had sympathy, knowing how easy it can be to fall in with the wrong crowd and end up being peer pressured to do things you might not normally do.
Overall it was an excellent novel that tackled difficult themes in an unbiased way, enabling the reader to see from all perspectives.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free digital copy or this book in exchange for an honest review.
Yes I read this in one sitting until the early hours. Seduced me as Julianne is approached in 2019 Oxford about her husband surely she knows?
Then to Oxford with Sophie as she starts university in 1991. Normal but what links these women. I got ahead of myself & thought I knew what would happen but I was totally bamboozled & had to regroup as some other information came to light.
What would Julianne do? What did she do? It all came thundering to a head where I now need to discuss it with everyone.
It is very topical, at times uncomfortable & I am sure book groups will love discussing what happened next & if they got away with it all. A very compelling thought provoking read.
Then to Oxford with Sophie as she starts university in 1991. Normal but what links these women. I got ahead of myself & thought I knew what would happen but I was totally bamboozled & had to regroup as some other information came to light.
What would Julianne do? What did she do? It all came thundering to a head where I now need to discuss it with everyone.
It is very topical, at times uncomfortable & I am sure book groups will love discussing what happened next & if they got away with it all. A very compelling thought provoking read.
Thank you NetGalley, BP Walter and Avon Books UK for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Present day Julianne is making dinner for her family when her son comes down with something to show her. This something is so terrible that it turns her life into a waking nightmare and she begins to question everything about her husband.
1990: Holly is a freshman at Oxford and she is completely out of her depth. She begins an unlikely friendship with a group of older students and begins to fall for one of them. Her friends begin to act stranger and she realizes that she may be a pawn in their little game.
I loved reading this novel and it went so quickly because I had to know what was gong on in this novel and what it is that happened in the 90’s to Holly. I read this novel in one sitting, the writing just really appealed to me and I felt like I could really identify with the two main female characters. I loved how Julianne finds out about what is going on and how it bothers her even after her husband has explained it all away to her. I loved the dark and tense atmosphere because you know something bad is going to happen, so you keep turning the pages! I was blown away by how much I didn’t want to put down this book, the author did a great job of hooking you right from the first chapter. I adored the way the chapters went back and forth between the past and present to keep you guessing to what was going to happen. I would recommend for sure!
Out February 7th!
Present day Julianne is making dinner for her family when her son comes down with something to show her. This something is so terrible that it turns her life into a waking nightmare and she begins to question everything about her husband.
1990: Holly is a freshman at Oxford and she is completely out of her depth. She begins an unlikely friendship with a group of older students and begins to fall for one of them. Her friends begin to act stranger and she realizes that she may be a pawn in their little game.
I loved reading this novel and it went so quickly because I had to know what was gong on in this novel and what it is that happened in the 90’s to Holly. I read this novel in one sitting, the writing just really appealed to me and I felt like I could really identify with the two main female characters. I loved how Julianne finds out about what is going on and how it bothers her even after her husband has explained it all away to her. I loved the dark and tense atmosphere because you know something bad is going to happen, so you keep turning the pages! I was blown away by how much I didn’t want to put down this book, the author did a great job of hooking you right from the first chapter. I adored the way the chapters went back and forth between the past and present to keep you guessing to what was going to happen. I would recommend for sure!
Out February 7th!