Initially, Ruby is the first-person narrator; later, Emma, Harry’s
wife, becomes a second first-person narrator.
Having the perspective of both women develops character and explains
motivations. And it is important for the
reader to understand why they behave as they do. I certainly felt sympathy for Ruby; it is
obvious that Tom has had such an effect on her that she doesn’t even know
herself. For instance, when she first goes
food shopping for herself, she picks up a box of cereal that she never liked
but “Tom liked it and used to say there was no point in getting two different
cereals, that they’d go stale.” She then
wonders, “What should I buy? What did I
actually like? My head started to
hurt. I didn’t know. I just didn’t know what I liked. It hadn’t mattered what I liked.”
The women do not always behave in a credible fashion. Emma’s reaction to an unfaithful husband
doesn’t seem realistic. Likewise, Ruby
doesn’t freak out enough when bizarre things start happening to her; her reactions
are definitely understated. And knowing
what she does know about people, she should be able to figure out who is
responsible for the strange and threatening events.
I liked the fact that Ruby proves to be a dynamic character. In many ways, she begins a journey of
self-discovery when she leaves Tom.
Gradually, she faces the truth about her relationships and gets to know
herself. Her decisions at the end had me
cheering. Emma too realizes her mistakes
and shows personal growth.
There are coincidences which stretch credibility. Two chance meetings of women are
especially problematic.
This book about lies and misperceptions is not flawless, but it provides
an entertaining read. Certainly, character
development is a positive element.
Note: I received a digital
galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
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