A review by hungryghosts
How to Play Dead by Jacqueline Ward

4.0

Ria's passion in life is running a refuge for abused women. Like a lot women, she juggles career, marriage, family, and other responsibilities while also struggling financially. She's a tough one, known as Superwoman. She protects the endangered women at the refuge, as well as dealing with their abusive partners who will go to any lengths to get them back under their control. Added to all that, Ria's husband is working out of the country, the refuge is in danger of being closed due to funding, and she's being stalked.

The tension runs high in this story. All the characters are well developed, likable or not. Both the victims and the abusers are portrayed believably without resorting to stereotypes. The story is both heartbreaking and affirming, as victims either give up or grow stronger.

How to Play Dead can be hard to read if you've not experienced domestic abuse or being stalked. Unfortunately, a lot of us have experienced either one or both of these things, and for us this can be an upsetting book. So, be aware of the triggering aspect, if need be.

The subject is dealt with sensitively while still portraying the brutality, the misogyny, the narcissism, and the psychological damage being abused causes. The author has written with compassion and understanding.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.