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A review by read_by_hev
The Friend by Dorothy Koomson
3.0
3.5 stars
Hmmm ok, so the for 80% of this book is definitely readable. The different POV's and timelines take a bit of getting used to and certainly takes some concentration. However, get past that and it is a complex story that moves at a steady pace towards the climax, you are never really sure of who could be behind it, and nearly everyone becomes a suspect at one point. As secrets are found out (trigger warnings in place) we develop suspicion and even sympathy for the three women at the centre of this story. All of the past stories are written with compassion, and in such a way that the victims in all cases are the ones we feel sympathy for (and the resolutions to the stories are wonderful and tie up all the loose ends).
However, we then get to the solution (which becomes obvious around 300 pages), it takes a bit of believing with the who and the why, but even more so for how the confrontation with the perpetrator is brought about. It requires a certain about of suspending your belief but is certainly enjoyable. It is a solution that is not as a bigger shock as I thought it would be, but it did fit in with the rest of the story.
We then get a wonderful conclusion to the story at the end, with everything sorted and everything is as hunky dory as possible. However, then the final page comes around and the book, very nearly, hits the wall. I felt that this was most definitely a case of not knowing where to end the book and maybe even opening the way for a sequel, which is not needed. It sent what would have been a 4.5 star book down a whole star because I was that annoyed with it. This is a shame as it was an otherwise good book that I would recommend. I would therefore suggest not reading the last page, as it adds nothing to the story and I certainly found it annoying.
Hmmm ok, so the for 80% of this book is definitely readable. The different POV's and timelines take a bit of getting used to and certainly takes some concentration. However, get past that and it is a complex story that moves at a steady pace towards the climax, you are never really sure of who could be behind it, and nearly everyone becomes a suspect at one point. As secrets are found out (trigger warnings in place) we develop suspicion and even sympathy for the three women at the centre of this story. All of the past stories are written with compassion, and in such a way that the victims in all cases are the ones we feel sympathy for (and the resolutions to the stories are wonderful and tie up all the loose ends).
However, we then get to the solution (which becomes obvious around 300 pages), it takes a bit of believing with the who and the why, but even more so for how the confrontation with the perpetrator is brought about. It requires a certain about of suspending your belief but is certainly enjoyable. It is a solution that is not as a bigger shock as I thought it would be, but it did fit in with the rest of the story.
We then get a wonderful conclusion to the story at the end, with everything sorted and everything is as hunky dory as possible. However, then the final page comes around and the book, very nearly, hits the wall. I felt that this was most definitely a case of not knowing where to end the book and maybe even opening the way for a sequel, which is not needed. It sent what would have been a 4.5 star book down a whole star because I was that annoyed with it. This is a shame as it was an otherwise good book that I would recommend. I would therefore suggest not reading the last page, as it adds nothing to the story and I certainly found it annoying.