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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I think I’m going to settle on 3.5 for this one. I found the story of two women in abusive relationships compelling, but the plot started to drag a little for me about halfway through. A worthwhile read!
To read about domestic and abusive relationships is never easy, so let’s start with that trigger warning. But it is necessary for us, the readers, to feel and understand Leah and McKenna’s murky desperation and frustration. I must also note that the author, Nora Murphy, approaches this dark centre of the story with respect and in a non-sensational way, which I appreciated. The signs are so familiar and easy to recognise, no one ever walks into an abusive relationship, knowing what they are getting themselves into. It is a gradual slide, as it is clear in “The Favour”.
After Leah, on a random Friday, sees the stylish McKenna from afar in a liquor store, she starts to recognise herself in her, bringing back memories of the person she, Leah, used to be. I was immediately intrigued, wanting to find out more about Leah’s back story. What has changed, why does she feel as if she’s a lesser person now. Where has her self-confidence and zest for life gone?
Leah starts to follow McKenna home, stalking her from a distance and that is where both women’s lives change forever.
A gripping tale that kept me captivated – it is a true page-turner! It is well-paced, with Murphy’s style of writing drawing you in even further.
It is always exciting to discover a debut author that you can’t wait to read more of!
What I enjoyed:
• Domestic suspense
• Socially relevant
• Strong character development
• Emotional connection to charachters
• Multiple POVs
Disclosure Thank you to Pan MacMillan SA for this review copy.
After Leah, on a random Friday, sees the stylish McKenna from afar in a liquor store, she starts to recognise herself in her, bringing back memories of the person she, Leah, used to be. I was immediately intrigued, wanting to find out more about Leah’s back story. What has changed, why does she feel as if she’s a lesser person now. Where has her self-confidence and zest for life gone?
Leah starts to follow McKenna home, stalking her from a distance and that is where both women’s lives change forever.
A gripping tale that kept me captivated – it is a true page-turner! It is well-paced, with Murphy’s style of writing drawing you in even further.
It is always exciting to discover a debut author that you can’t wait to read more of!
What I enjoyed:
• Domestic suspense
• Socially relevant
• Strong character development
• Emotional connection to charachters
• Multiple POVs
Disclosure Thank you to Pan MacMillan SA for this review copy.
There were a lot of things I really enjoyed about this book: the character development, alternating POVs, the “favor” that takes place, and the suspense. I wasn’t as captivated by the story as I wanted to be, and I was hoping for more unexpected twists. I felt that the first half was stronger than the second half, but overall it was an entertaining story. The Favor is a solid debut with an intriguing premise.
Read Completed 3/7/22 | Thanks to Megan for sending a copy of this ARC my way! I was excited to read a print book and read it early for once!
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Leah and McKenna live similar lives, although they have never met. Recognizing the similarities between them, Leah begins to follow McKenna, wanting to help her in anyway she can. A split decision makes them entangled in one another's lives.
This book was really entertaining and full of suspense that I flew through in two sittings. There is an alternating timeline between the past, where we learn about how each woman ended up marrying the monsters they now call their husbands, and the present, during the nightmare they are each living. Big trigger warning for domestic abuse, both physical and psychological and gaslighting! I listened to it on audio and think that the narrators did a great job with all three POVs. The biggest complaint about the book that I had was that during the POV of the detective, he kept talking about his partner, and how much he missed them after they had an injury on the job... It just seemed unnecessary to the narrative, and made him feel a bit creepy and obsessive in my opinion. I feel like his POV could have been left out all together and I would have enjoyed the story a bit more.
Definitely didn't feel like a debut, and I'm intrigued to see what the author comes up with next.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Leah and McKenna live similar lives, although they have never met. Recognizing the similarities between them, Leah begins to follow McKenna, wanting to help her in anyway she can. A split decision makes them entangled in one another's lives.
This book was really entertaining and full of suspense that I flew through in two sittings. There is an alternating timeline between the past, where we learn about how each woman ended up marrying the monsters they now call their husbands, and the present, during the nightmare they are each living. Big trigger warning for domestic abuse, both physical and psychological and gaslighting! I listened to it on audio and think that the narrators did a great job with all three POVs. The biggest complaint about the book that I had was that during the POV of the detective, he kept talking about his partner, and how much he missed them after they had an injury on the job... It just seemed unnecessary to the narrative, and made him feel a bit creepy and obsessive in my opinion. I feel like his POV could have been left out all together and I would have enjoyed the story a bit more.
Definitely didn't feel like a debut, and I'm intrigued to see what the author comes up with next.
Quick thoughts:
This one was interesting and well done on audio, but was just “fine” overall in terms of the plot. In my opinion, there really wasn’t a twist and I found that it was all extremely predictable, sadly.
This one was interesting and well done on audio, but was just “fine” overall in terms of the plot. In my opinion, there really wasn’t a twist and I found that it was all extremely predictable, sadly.
Good story. Makes you think about domestic violence and we should think about it
The Favor follows two different women who are in abusive and controlling marriages as they struggle to reclaim their identity and individuality. It was an emotional read for me, seeing the women slowly lose their independence and realizing that anyone could become a victim. The characters were interesting. I loved most of the book except for the ending. It felt too unfinished to me. But I suppose life doesn’t always have neat conclusions either.
#TheFavor:
“I felt knocked down by sadness, by a sense of helplessness, and, mostly, by shame. It was like a thrashing ocean wave had picked me up and slammed me onto the firm sand, thrusting the air out of my lungs. I let myself cry. It was like a little gift. I so rarely acknowledged or felt permitted to express my emotions.”
Initial thought: What kind of favor do they owe?
Review: The Favor is a maddening, but real look into domestic violence. Two very similar wives in a similar situation, just begging for a way out. This was a quick read that I couldn’t tear away from. I wanted everything to work out and wanted them to be free.
Some of the plot does stretch reality, and some of it can be fixed logically in real life. But sadly, some instances very real. The escalation of the domestic violence is portrayed accurately. The subtle comments, gradual isolation, then the escalation of physical violence, all very real.
I really enjoyed the audio from @macmillan.audio. The cast was so distinct that I didn’t have to wonder which character was speaking. The timelines did kind of throw me while listening, but I kind of was able to keep track. I will say the very last chapter confused the heck out of me. I felt like the last part was just tacked on, and I missed something. I ended up having to go back the last three chapters to make sure I didn’t miss a thing. I then realized what it was (xoxo physical copy) and it made sense. Some things are hard to transfer to audio, and that was one instance it rang true.
Overall, a solid thriller of wondering what is going to happen next. It kept my interest, and I found myself cheering for them. Thank you @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the gifted copies. The Favor is out 5/31.
QOTD: You just committed the perfect murder (bravo!) Where are you going to go to start your life over?
“I felt knocked down by sadness, by a sense of helplessness, and, mostly, by shame. It was like a thrashing ocean wave had picked me up and slammed me onto the firm sand, thrusting the air out of my lungs. I let myself cry. It was like a little gift. I so rarely acknowledged or felt permitted to express my emotions.”
Initial thought: What kind of favor do they owe?
Review: The Favor is a maddening, but real look into domestic violence. Two very similar wives in a similar situation, just begging for a way out. This was a quick read that I couldn’t tear away from. I wanted everything to work out and wanted them to be free.
Some of the plot does stretch reality, and some of it can be fixed logically in real life. But sadly, some instances very real. The escalation of the domestic violence is portrayed accurately. The subtle comments, gradual isolation, then the escalation of physical violence, all very real.
I really enjoyed the audio from @macmillan.audio. The cast was so distinct that I didn’t have to wonder which character was speaking. The timelines did kind of throw me while listening, but I kind of was able to keep track. I will say the very last chapter confused the heck out of me. I felt like the last part was just tacked on, and I missed something. I ended up having to go back the last three chapters to make sure I didn’t miss a thing. I then realized what it was (xoxo physical copy) and it made sense. Some things are hard to transfer to audio, and that was one instance it rang true.
Overall, a solid thriller of wondering what is going to happen next. It kept my interest, and I found myself cheering for them. Thank you @minotaur_books and @macmillan.audio for the gifted copies. The Favor is out 5/31.
QOTD: You just committed the perfect murder (bravo!) Where are you going to go to start your life over?
Reminiscent of Strangers on a Train, we get a gripping domestic suspense following a "favor". This book shows some of the different sides of spousal abuse, from the psychological to the physical, and feels authentic. It's less of a mystery or thriller, as the audience is in on it the entire time, but still manages to have surprises. I liked Leah and McKenna's perspectives, but thought it was weird when we started getting Jordan's as well. It shifted from suspense to police procedural and kind of slowed down the pacing. Overall I'd recommend this to anyone wanting to get into thrillers (but may be a scaredy-cat) or fans of Alfred Hitchcock.
*Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
*Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*