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A review by 7juniormint
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
None of This Is True, to be sure!
The title certainly is accurate! In this novel, Jewell brings us along the various (and numerous) twists of the misunderstood Josie Fair, often through the eyes of everyone but herself. It explores themes of trust, trauma, and, above all else, truth. It is an engaging read, especially when experienced as an audiobook, and Jewell masterfully expressed the strangeness of some situations, leaving things intentionally ambiguous to create an atmosphere of intrigue and missing pieces.
One drawback, however, was the way that the story was presented. Largely, the story followed a chronological narrative structure with clear references to the past and dated flashbacks, but sometimes, it would backtrack to give additional information or reveal scenes that, in truth, we, the readers, should have been present for. There were a couple of times that I remember thinking, I really should have been there for this scene so that I could have interpreted things along with the characters. Compounding this was what I felt were loose ends, plot-wise. There are a variety of things left unsatisfyingly unexplained, and some elements required me not to think too much about them in order for the story to move along smoothly. These didn't get in the way of my enjoyment much, however. If a sequel to this book came out, then those criticisms might even lend themselves well to a continuing narrative.
One of my main points of contention with the story is the ending. For obvious reasons, I will mark this section as a spoiler. Up until that point, I was very much enjoying the experience, which was enriched by the multimedia-style format (especially in the audiobook!).
Overall, I do not regret reading None of This Is True. It will be engaging for those seeking drama, intrigue, and twists that come when you least expect it. If you enjoy cinematic audiobooks, too, then this one will not disappoint! I will, however, include below a list of trigger/content warnings that I recommend considering before deciding to read it.
Potential spoilers below (trigger/content warnings)
TW/CW:
Other readers have mentioned that some of these themes, especially those involving child abuse, were not handled well in this book, so it might be worth reading other reviews if that content may be especially triggering to you!
The title certainly is accurate! In this novel, Jewell brings us along the various (and numerous) twists of the misunderstood Josie Fair, often through the eyes of everyone but herself. It explores themes of trust, trauma, and, above all else, truth. It is an engaging read, especially when experienced as an audiobook, and Jewell masterfully expressed the strangeness of some situations, leaving things intentionally ambiguous to create an atmosphere of intrigue and missing pieces.
One drawback, however, was the way that the story was presented. Largely, the story followed a chronological narrative structure with clear references to the past and dated flashbacks, but sometimes, it would backtrack to give additional information or reveal scenes that, in truth, we, the readers, should have been present for. There were a couple of times that I remember thinking, I really should have been there for this scene so that I could have interpreted things along with the characters. Compounding this was what I felt were loose ends, plot-wise. There are a variety of things left unsatisfyingly unexplained, and some elements required me not to think too much about them in order for the story to move along smoothly. These didn't get in the way of my enjoyment much, however. If a sequel to this book came out, then those criticisms might even lend themselves well to a continuing narrative.
One of my main points of contention with the story is the ending. For obvious reasons, I will mark this section as a spoiler.
Spoiler
The final twist, because of how little time was dedicated to it, felt like it held less merit than the previous one. I think the intention is to leave the reader unsure of what to believe, and that's certainly a premise I can get behind. However, to draw back into question all that we had learned and re-learned up until that point in the story made me, as a reader, feel very weary of the book. I wondered which facts and which people I was meant to be invested in if, as the title itself suggests, none of this is true.Overall, I do not regret reading None of This Is True. It will be engaging for those seeking drama, intrigue, and twists that come when you least expect it. If you enjoy cinematic audiobooks, too, then this one will not disappoint! I will, however, include below a list of trigger/content warnings that I recommend considering before deciding to read it.
Potential spoilers below (trigger/content warnings)
TW/CW:
Spoiler
mentions of grooming and pedophilia, age gap relationship, mentions of alleged rape, depictions of drunkenness and binge drinking, depictions and discussions of child abuse, discussions and depictions of domestic abuse, mentions and discussions of murderOther readers have mentioned that some of these themes, especially those involving child abuse, were not handled well in this book, so it might be worth reading other reviews if that content may be especially triggering to you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Domestic abuse, and Rape