Scan barcode
meganjjang's review against another edition
4.0
Really liked this, the beginning was super intriguing (the concept is interesting and new!), and the last 100 pages ramped up and flew by. The middle lets it down a little or this would easily be 5 stars!
honeyprice's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
zupa_czyta's review against another edition
3.0
Do debiutanckiej powieści Emily Koch podeszłam bez większych oczekiwań - po prostu pomysł na fabułę wydał mi się interesujący i byłam ciekawa, czy autorce uda się mnie jakoś zaskoczyć. SPOILER ALERT: nie do końca dała radę.
Alex uległ wypadkowi podczas wspinaczki, od tego czasu znajduje się w stanie śpiączki, przykuty do szpitalnego łóżka. O dziwo, sam zdaje sobie sprawę ze wszystkiego, co dzieje się dookoła. A kiedy dowiaduje się, że jego "wypadek" wcale nie musiał być wypadkiem, tylko próbą morderstwa, ze wszystkich sił stara się "pokazać" najbliższym, że żyje i nie dopuścić do tego, by osoba czyhająca na jego życie, zrobiła krzywdę nie tylko jemu, ale także jego rodzinie.
Zacznę może od tego, co podobało mi się najbardziej: wydaje mi się, że piekielnie trudno jest napisać powieść, której akcja toczy się w jednym, niewielkim pomieszczeniu. Do tego dochodzą oczywiście retrospekcje, jednak zdecydowana większość fabuły rozgrywa się w szpitalnej sali, w której przebywa Alex. Za ten oryginalny pomysł autorce należą się brawa! Plusem może być też zakończenie - sporo czytelników nie będzie się spodziewać takiego rozwiązania zagadki, ja jednak połączyłam fakty, więc zaskoczenia z mojej strony nie było.
Irytowały mnie dłużyzny i "wspinaczkowe" opowieści. I co najważniejsze: z medycznego punktu widzenia fabuła jest kompletnie niewiarygodna. Mózg faceta reaguje na wszystko, co dzieje się wokół niego, odbiera zapachy (żarcia, perfum, potu, detergentów - do wyboru, do koloru), Alex słyszy, odczuwa dotyk, łzy kapią mu z oczu we wzruszających momentach, a badania nie wykazują NIC, kompletnie nic. Tak, zdaję sobie sprawę, że to fikcja, a autorka, gdyby chciała i miała taką wizję, mogłaby zaprosić do sali tańczące jednorożce i uznać, że ma to sens. Mnie takie nieścisłości jednak wkurzają i podczas lektury nie potrafię przejść nad nimi do porządku dziennego.
Książkę polecam osobom, które szukają w kryminałach jakiegoś powiewu świeżości, czegoś nieoczywistego. Mnie czytało się ją dobrze, ale nie nadzwyczajnie i ze względu na jej mankamenty nie mogę stwierdzić, że była dla mnie czymś więcej, niż typowym średniaczkiem.
Alex uległ wypadkowi podczas wspinaczki, od tego czasu znajduje się w stanie śpiączki, przykuty do szpitalnego łóżka. O dziwo, sam zdaje sobie sprawę ze wszystkiego, co dzieje się dookoła. A kiedy dowiaduje się, że jego "wypadek" wcale nie musiał być wypadkiem, tylko próbą morderstwa, ze wszystkich sił stara się "pokazać" najbliższym, że żyje i nie dopuścić do tego, by osoba czyhająca na jego życie, zrobiła krzywdę nie tylko jemu, ale także jego rodzinie.
Zacznę może od tego, co podobało mi się najbardziej: wydaje mi się, że piekielnie trudno jest napisać powieść, której akcja toczy się w jednym, niewielkim pomieszczeniu. Do tego dochodzą oczywiście retrospekcje, jednak zdecydowana większość fabuły rozgrywa się w szpitalnej sali, w której przebywa Alex. Za ten oryginalny pomysł autorce należą się brawa! Plusem może być też zakończenie - sporo czytelników nie będzie się spodziewać takiego rozwiązania zagadki, ja jednak połączyłam fakty, więc zaskoczenia z mojej strony nie było.
Irytowały mnie dłużyzny i "wspinaczkowe" opowieści. I co najważniejsze: z medycznego punktu widzenia fabuła jest kompletnie niewiarygodna. Mózg faceta reaguje na wszystko, co dzieje się wokół niego, odbiera zapachy (żarcia, perfum, potu, detergentów - do wyboru, do koloru), Alex słyszy, odczuwa dotyk, łzy kapią mu z oczu we wzruszających momentach, a badania nie wykazują NIC, kompletnie nic. Tak, zdaję sobie sprawę, że to fikcja, a autorka, gdyby chciała i miała taką wizję, mogłaby zaprosić do sali tańczące jednorożce i uznać, że ma to sens. Mnie takie nieścisłości jednak wkurzają i podczas lektury nie potrafię przejść nad nimi do porządku dziennego.
Książkę polecam osobom, które szukają w kryminałach jakiegoś powiewu świeżości, czegoś nieoczywistego. Mnie czytało się ją dobrze, ale nie nadzwyczajnie i ze względu na jej mankamenty nie mogę stwierdzić, że była dla mnie czymś więcej, niż typowym średniaczkiem.
itsmekirsty28's review against another edition
2.0
~”everyone believes Alex is in a coma, unlikely to ever wake up. As his family debate withdrawing life support,he can only listen.
But he soon begins to suspect that his accident wasn’t actually an accident. Even worse, the perpetrator is still out there and Alex isn’t the only one in danger.
Alex must use a series of clues from his past to solve who the mystery of who tried to kill him. He needs to protect the ones he loves-before the decide to let him go...”~
This book sounded really good and I loved the original idea behind it. I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t for one, I couldn’t empathise or connect with the characters even the narrator although I did empathise a little with him. This is because there just isn’t enough to go on you only really get little excerpts of them when they visit Alex.
Alex himself has what I think is locked in syndrome which must be absolutely awful hearing, feeling and smelling the world around you but not being able to take part in it and no one knows that you can hear/feel/smell these things. It makes you put your life into perspective a little. Anyway apart from this it’s frustrating because it’s so slow to start with and you really want someone to know if he wakes up or figures out who it was that did this to him. However it took until you’re about 35% way through the book to even let on that it might not actually be an accident because until then it’s just and I’m sorry but boring little bits of what he goes through and his past life. Also the little snippets of who visits him.
Even when it does mention that it isn’t actually an accident it’s the smallest little mention. It goes back to little bits about the visitors and bea’s fascination with a letter that Alex received at some point...who is not from who either of them think by the way. Alex goes through a list of who he thinks it could be one of them being a story/case he did about a murder.
The twist is quite good and did suprise me I don’t think any of them saw it coming and it literally comes out of nowhere who put Alex in hospital but it does make sense. Apart from that the book isn’t really that great. It’s too slow to get into anything, you can’t connect with any of the characters and in the end he dies anyway and if it wasn’t for the fact bea was suspicious about someone and actually cornered them I don’t think no one would ever find out who did it as obviously Alex has no way of telling them.
But he soon begins to suspect that his accident wasn’t actually an accident. Even worse, the perpetrator is still out there and Alex isn’t the only one in danger.
Alex must use a series of clues from his past to solve who the mystery of who tried to kill him. He needs to protect the ones he loves-before the decide to let him go...”~
This book sounded really good and I loved the original idea behind it. I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t for one, I couldn’t empathise or connect with the characters even the narrator although I did empathise a little with him. This is because there just isn’t enough to go on you only really get little excerpts of them when they visit Alex.
Alex himself has what I think is locked in syndrome which must be absolutely awful hearing, feeling and smelling the world around you but not being able to take part in it and no one knows that you can hear/feel/smell these things. It makes you put your life into perspective a little. Anyway apart from this it’s frustrating because it’s so slow to start with and you really want someone to know if he wakes up or figures out who it was that did this to him. However it took until you’re about 35% way through the book to even let on that it might not actually be an accident because until then it’s just and I’m sorry but boring little bits of what he goes through and his past life. Also the little snippets of who visits him.
Even when it does mention that it isn’t actually an accident it’s the smallest little mention. It goes back to little bits about the visitors and bea’s fascination with a letter that Alex received at some point...who is not from who either of them think by the way. Alex goes through a list of who he thinks it could be one of them being a story/case he did about a murder.
The twist is quite good and did suprise me I don’t think any of them saw it coming and it literally comes out of nowhere who put Alex in hospital but it does make sense. Apart from that the book isn’t really that great. It’s too slow to get into anything, you can’t connect with any of the characters and in the end he dies anyway and if it wasn’t for the fact bea was suspicious about someone and actually cornered them I don’t think no one would ever find out who did it as obviously Alex has no way of telling them.
ellenjr24's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
stephen1308's review against another edition
3.0
This is a book that achieves a singularly impressive feat by telling a story entirely from the point of view of a character lying dormant on a hospital bed, recovering from injuries that left him in a coma. Emily Koch shows immense skill to use this technique in an effective way that brings a unique and quietly compelling mystery to life.
Alex is a journalist and climbing enthusiast who suffered a near-fatal accident while scaling a section of the Avon Gorge. The fall left him in a coma, and over a year later his condition is showing few tangible signs of improvement, to the extent that close family and friends are contemplating the idea of ending his treatment.
But unknown to everyone including the doctors administering his care, Alex can hear everything that is said by those around him, and make out their outlines. From the things he hears, he learns that the fall which left him in a coma was no accident, leading to a desperate search for clues leading to the person who wants him dead.
The whole concept feels original, and it offers a different take on a mystery novel. The narrative is such that you cannot escape being immersed in Alex's thoughts. There may be flaws to his character, but you just end up living every moment with him as he initially wishes to be allowed to die, but later becomes absorbed in attempting to uncover the truth. It is excellent writing.
For me, the rest of the characters were a bit of a mixed bag. At first I thought there were too many characters and it was difficult to tell them apart, but this was easier as the story went on. Alex's girlfriend Bea was believable, and her growing vulnerability came across well. His sister Philippa was also very complex, but I was hardly taken by any of the rest, and it was disappointing to me how the doctors and nursing staff were portrayed in such a negative way.
One by-product of having a single narrator who is recovering from a coma, is that the whole book takes place in just one setting; the hospital ward where Alex is being treated. This has a large role to play in the story, as all the reader has to go on in terms of trying to unravel the mystery are the snippets of conversations that Alex overhears.
The clues are uncovered by paying attention to every small detail, such as who visits Alex at any one time, and every throwaway remark they utter in his presence. Suspicion is cast on a range of characters, and the answer is well hidden. However, when the revelation does come, it lacks the kind of impact it should have.
I was very impressed by several aspects of the writing, especially the way Alex is brought to life through his swirling thoughts and emotions, and his desire to prove to everyone that he is awake and can move. It took a long time for the tension to arrive, but it does eventually increase as the story progresses.
Overall, there were a number of things I liked very much about this book. The concept was innovative, and executed smartly with the help of a compelling narrator. I just felt an absence of tension in parts, and there were small issues with the ending and some of the characters, but the writing ensured that I shall look back on this read in a positive light.
Alex is a journalist and climbing enthusiast who suffered a near-fatal accident while scaling a section of the Avon Gorge. The fall left him in a coma, and over a year later his condition is showing few tangible signs of improvement, to the extent that close family and friends are contemplating the idea of ending his treatment.
But unknown to everyone including the doctors administering his care, Alex can hear everything that is said by those around him, and make out their outlines. From the things he hears, he learns that the fall which left him in a coma was no accident, leading to a desperate search for clues leading to the person who wants him dead.
The whole concept feels original, and it offers a different take on a mystery novel. The narrative is such that you cannot escape being immersed in Alex's thoughts. There may be flaws to his character, but you just end up living every moment with him as he initially wishes to be allowed to die, but later becomes absorbed in attempting to uncover the truth. It is excellent writing.
For me, the rest of the characters were a bit of a mixed bag. At first I thought there were too many characters and it was difficult to tell them apart, but this was easier as the story went on. Alex's girlfriend Bea was believable, and her growing vulnerability came across well. His sister Philippa was also very complex, but I was hardly taken by any of the rest, and it was disappointing to me how the doctors and nursing staff were portrayed in such a negative way.
One by-product of having a single narrator who is recovering from a coma, is that the whole book takes place in just one setting; the hospital ward where Alex is being treated. This has a large role to play in the story, as all the reader has to go on in terms of trying to unravel the mystery are the snippets of conversations that Alex overhears.
The clues are uncovered by paying attention to every small detail, such as who visits Alex at any one time, and every throwaway remark they utter in his presence. Suspicion is cast on a range of characters, and the answer is well hidden. However, when the revelation does come, it lacks the kind of impact it should have.
I was very impressed by several aspects of the writing, especially the way Alex is brought to life through his swirling thoughts and emotions, and his desire to prove to everyone that he is awake and can move. It took a long time for the tension to arrive, but it does eventually increase as the story progresses.
Overall, there were a number of things I liked very much about this book. The concept was innovative, and executed smartly with the help of a compelling narrator. I just felt an absence of tension in parts, and there were small issues with the ending and some of the characters, but the writing ensured that I shall look back on this read in a positive light.
urbansapphire's review against another edition
4.0
Alex Jackson is a 27 year old journalist from Bristol, he loves rock climbing and as we first meet him, he is a prisoner in his own body following a climbing accident.
The story is told from Alex's perspective, and the first thing we find out is that although
his medical team believe he is in a vegetative state and completely unaware of anything around him, Alex is actually suffering from locked-in syndrome - aware of everything going on around him, but unable to move or respond in any way. He's been like this for around 2 years - he's measuring time by listening to the conversations going on around him from his Dad, his sister Philippa, his girlfriend Bea and his care team, amongst others.
When the story starts, Alex has, understandably, given up hope and is wishing for death. As he hears snippets of various conversations around him, he realises that his accident is being reinvestigated, as a possible murder attempt. This sets him thinking - after all, he can't do anything else, and he starts to try and work out who could be behind this - who would want him dead? He can also hear conversations about turning off his life support, which is the stuff that horror movies are made of and made me shiver to think about. This galvanises him and he is determined to survive, and move again, and tell Bea how much he loves her.
I found this book extremely engaging and found it very hard to put down. It is the thing of nightmares to be trapped in your own body, unable to communicate, and this is conveyed very well in Emily Koch's debut thriller. Full of tension, twists and turns, and genuine frustration for Alex not being able to do anything about his suspicions, it's a must-read for 2018 and is sure to be a massive hit!
Thanks to Random House UK/Vintage/Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The story is told from Alex's perspective, and the first thing we find out is that although
his medical team believe he is in a vegetative state and completely unaware of anything around him, Alex is actually suffering from locked-in syndrome - aware of everything going on around him, but unable to move or respond in any way. He's been like this for around 2 years - he's measuring time by listening to the conversations going on around him from his Dad, his sister Philippa, his girlfriend Bea and his care team, amongst others.
When the story starts, Alex has, understandably, given up hope and is wishing for death. As he hears snippets of various conversations around him, he realises that his accident is being reinvestigated, as a possible murder attempt. This sets him thinking - after all, he can't do anything else, and he starts to try and work out who could be behind this - who would want him dead? He can also hear conversations about turning off his life support, which is the stuff that horror movies are made of and made me shiver to think about. This galvanises him and he is determined to survive, and move again, and tell Bea how much he loves her.
I found this book extremely engaging and found it very hard to put down. It is the thing of nightmares to be trapped in your own body, unable to communicate, and this is conveyed very well in Emily Koch's debut thriller. Full of tension, twists and turns, and genuine frustration for Alex not being able to do anything about his suspicions, it's a must-read for 2018 and is sure to be a massive hit!
Thanks to Random House UK/Vintage/Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
booklady72's review against another edition
4.0
Everyone thinks that Alex is in a coma unlikely to wake up. As his family debate over withdrawing his life support he can only listen. As his girlfriend Bea, his friends and family visit and talk around him Alex has come to realise that the accident he had wasn’t really an accident. Someone meant to do him real damage and they are still out there.
As he goes over clues from his past while lying in his hospital bed, unable to do anything he must use his remains senses to solve the mystery of who tried to kill him and also try to protect the ones he loves before they decide to let him go.
I found this book so intriguing, it’s narrated totally by Alex lying in a coma unable to communicate in anyway whatsoever. It had an brilliant plot and was a thriller with a difference. I loved it!
As he goes over clues from his past while lying in his hospital bed, unable to do anything he must use his remains senses to solve the mystery of who tried to kill him and also try to protect the ones he loves before they decide to let him go.
I found this book so intriguing, it’s narrated totally by Alex lying in a coma unable to communicate in anyway whatsoever. It had an brilliant plot and was a thriller with a difference. I loved it!
abilight's review against another edition
2.0
Note - This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
ashykhaira's review against another edition
4.0
Alex has been in a coma for two years now and thinks he lies in a coma due to a fall as everyone said.Yet he keeps trying to think back to the fall.why was it he didnt remember the fall?slowly as time passes,he finds out things from stories told by his family and friends as they visit him.
A reopening in the case with new evidence suggests that foul play was involved.He started to realize that his one dr who visited him who was always silent may not be his dr at all.slowly he pieces the events together and solves his murder,but no matter how hard he tries,he never regains consciousness and his family eventually decides to turn off life support
A reopening in the case with new evidence suggests that foul play was involved.He started to realize that his one dr who visited him who was always silent may not be his dr at all.slowly he pieces the events together and solves his murder,but no matter how hard he tries,he never regains consciousness and his family eventually decides to turn off life support