The story centres on Cass, who, as a 13-year-old in 2008, experiences a disturbing incident during a family holiday in the south of France. Fast forward 16 years, at a funeral, Cass collapses, prompting some reflection of past events and their lingering effects. What actually happened all those years ago?
This was a helluva psychological drama that intertwines two timelines (I do love a multi time-line or perspective read) to explore trauma, memory, and the complexities of human relationships.
Using a dual narrative structure, going between the present day and flashbacks, we are able to look deeper into the characters’ perspectives, allowing us to witness the unfolding of events from multiple viewpoints.
This, to me, was one of the key successes of the book. It focused a shining light on the complexities of memory and perception.
The book highlights how individuals create narratives around their experiences, often influenced by certain expectations and personal biases. But does that make them true?
If this sounds like your bag, you’re likely drawn to layered psychological dramas, explorations of trauma and memory. Books such as ‘The Paper Palace’ by Miranda Cowley Heller or even ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt (now that is a banger of a book).
-Michaela Webb
