Scan barcode
A review by bethmara
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
5.0
"I Have Questions For You" is a riveting read that delivers on all fronts, earning a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. The main character, Bodie, is a complex and intriguing figure who briefly returns to her New Hampshire high school alma mater to teach podcasting. As she reconnects with her past, she is forced to confront the unresolved death of her former roommate when a student seeks to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
The narrative of the book is expertly woven, keeping the reader engaged without revealing too much. As the story unfolds, it masterfully unravels the mysteries surrounding the death of Bodie's roommate while maintaining a delicate balance between suspense and emotion. The author's writing style is smooth and immersive, drawing the reader into the world of the characters and leaving them eagerly turning pages to discover what happens next.
Having spent much of high school in New Hampshire, I found the depiction of the prep school vibe to be spot-on. The book's framing of the era of disposable women and minorities is powerfully resonant, yet not explicitly the primary focus. Throughout the novel, there are harrowing lists that serve as a poignant reminder of the countless individuals who have suffered at the hands of seemingly 'nice' white men with 'potential'. These lists are inspired by real-life crimes including the woman who had to apologize to the man who tried to kill her (only to be killed by him days later), the child who wasn't believed because the neighbor was 'respectable', and the shocking dismissal of damning evidence. This backdrop of believable (and yet unbelievable) events from the 80s until now creates a heavy atmosphere that intensifies the reader's desire to help Bodie uncover the truth.
"I Have Questions For You" builds suspense in a manner that is both painful and brilliantly executed, without resorting to cheap jump scares. I don't like thrillers. I really don't like thrillers where women are killed for readers' entertainment. And here I am, liking this self-aware book that tries to elevate the conversation.
The narrative of the book is expertly woven, keeping the reader engaged without revealing too much. As the story unfolds, it masterfully unravels the mysteries surrounding the death of Bodie's roommate while maintaining a delicate balance between suspense and emotion. The author's writing style is smooth and immersive, drawing the reader into the world of the characters and leaving them eagerly turning pages to discover what happens next.
Having spent much of high school in New Hampshire, I found the depiction of the prep school vibe to be spot-on. The book's framing of the era of disposable women and minorities is powerfully resonant, yet not explicitly the primary focus. Throughout the novel, there are harrowing lists that serve as a poignant reminder of the countless individuals who have suffered at the hands of seemingly 'nice' white men with 'potential'. These lists are inspired by real-life crimes including the woman who had to apologize to the man who tried to kill her (only to be killed by him days later), the child who wasn't believed because the neighbor was 'respectable', and the shocking dismissal of damning evidence. This backdrop of believable (and yet unbelievable) events from the 80s until now creates a heavy atmosphere that intensifies the reader's desire to help Bodie uncover the truth.
"I Have Questions For You" builds suspense in a manner that is both painful and brilliantly executed, without resorting to cheap jump scares. I don't like thrillers. I really don't like thrillers where women are killed for readers' entertainment. And here I am, liking this self-aware book that tries to elevate the conversation.