A review by babewithabookandabeer
While We Were Burning by Sara Koffi

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you Putnam Books for my Netgalley copy = of WHILE WE WERE BURNING by Sara Koffi, out 4/16/24!

The publisher says this novel is Parasite meets Such a Fun Age and that’s a pretty good descriptor! This debut examines the intersections of race, class and female friendship with an exploration of devasting consequences of everyday actions.

I really, really enjoyed this book. It’s a slow burn thriller, letting you slowly uncover how our characters are connected and it really came together for me.

After her best friend's mysterious death, Elizabeth Smith’s picture-perfect life in the Memphis suburbs has spiraled out of control—so much so that she hires a personal assistant to keep her on track. Composed and elegant, Brianna is exactly who she needs and slides so neatly into Elizabeth’s life, almost like she belonged there from the start. Soon, the assistant Elizabeth hired to distract her from her obsession with her friend's death is the same person working with her to uncover the truth behind it.

Because Brianna has questions, too. There’s more to the synopsis, but I think this book is best when you go in unknowingly. The final showdown is electrifying and the lines get very blurred - it’s a wild ride. 

I loved the ending, but I also have major questions that I’ll keep to myself to avoid any spoilers. Just know, the characters are incredibly complex and flawed and you’ll find yourself switching sides until the very end. Let me just say I do NOT understand the conclusion of the romance and I don’t think it does as much as the author thinks it does? Doesn’t seem like a win to me? But idk, maybe I’m the outlier! 

I think both characters could have had more depth to them when it came to our understanding of them as readers - we get snapshots of their past that drive their characters, but not quite enough to make that full connection. I think they could have been fleshed out more. I wanted more back story on Charles, Camilla, parental upbringing, and the traumas that made each character the way they are (because both main protagonists are very unique). 

The vision is immaculate though and I give Koffi major snaps.