A review by jmrie
The Ghostwriter by A.R. Torre

4.0

Here’s the thing — you’ll never know a person well enough. I didn’t expect that twist but I started to have some disturbing thoughts when Helena went in the media room and started playing her husband’s tapes. I first thought he had a different child with an affair. The truth, though, is much darker. Then the rest of the scenes that unfolded, much, much disturbing. It reminded me of this movie, *The Mist*, wherein everyone except the main character killed themselves, thinking there was no other way out, then few seconds after, rescue came. It is similar in the sense that if Helena had just made small changes in her choices, things would have turned out differently as well. Honestly, four years is a long time to hold on and to keep her sanity after what transpired.

I am not surprised she asked pharmaceutical assistance in death. It was coming and I’m glad that before she passed, she made sure things settled.

Though her parenting style sure was intriguing, I don’t doubt her love for her child. It’s just that sometimes, it’s difficult to translate. And she, herself, wasn’t exactly mentally and emotionally stable. She had a child in the worst time of her life so motherhood was not only an uncharted territory but a boundary she didn’t want to explore. But she loved Bethany, I’m sure.

Torre’s writing do not disappoint once more. There’s something about her words that just pulls you right in and places you right in the shoes of her characters. Her stories transcend beyond pages and her characters feel alive to me. I felt Helena’s pain and regret and guilt and suddenly I wihsed things were different for her. I also appreciate Torre’s ending. It wasn’t exactly happy but it wasn’t sad either. Things got resolved and Helena found her peace and I think, after everything, she deserved that.

Truly a great piece of writing.