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A review by thebrokebookblog
A Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A big thank you to Netgalley for granting me an advanced copy of "A Novel Obsession" by Caitlin Barasch in exchange for an honest review!
Bookseller and writer Naomi has been searching for the one great story of her life, and she may have found in Caleb – a nice Welsh guy who understands her quirks and needs in a way no partner before had. However, when Naomi learns that Caleb’s ex, Rosemary, lives in the same city as her and works in the literary industry like she does, Naomi searches for just how their stories intertwine – after all, if Rosemary seems like a better version of Naomi, they must have something in common beyond Caleb...right?
Caitlin Barasch’s debut novel will hook you right in as Naomi stalks Rosemary throughout New York and integrates herself in the narrative. While I would not go as far as to classify this as a thriller, the suspense that Barasch infuses in Naomi’s interactions with literally everyone in this novel will have you turning the pages frantically and hoping that she doesn’t - or maybe does - get caught. For a read that is reminiscent of A Simple Favor, Verity, or The Arc, place your request for Caitlin Barasch’s A Novel Obsession.
Bookseller and writer Naomi has been searching for the one great story of her life, and she may have found in Caleb – a nice Welsh guy who understands her quirks and needs in a way no partner before had. However, when Naomi learns that Caleb’s ex, Rosemary, lives in the same city as her and works in the literary industry like she does, Naomi searches for just how their stories intertwine – after all, if Rosemary seems like a better version of Naomi, they must have something in common beyond Caleb...right?
Caitlin Barasch’s debut novel will hook you right in as Naomi stalks Rosemary throughout New York and integrates herself in the narrative. While I would not go as far as to classify this as a thriller, the suspense that Barasch infuses in Naomi’s interactions with literally everyone in this novel will have you turning the pages frantically and hoping that she doesn’t - or maybe does - get caught. For a read that is reminiscent of A Simple Favor, Verity, or The Arc, place your request for Caitlin Barasch’s A Novel Obsession.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Infertility, Gaslighting, and Stalking