Book Club for Introverts discussion

Let's discuss!

Wow! It all comes together...first her father “killed” her, then Gabriel “killed” her. Theo is left grasping at snowflakes like happiness. I’m not sure if I liked this book or not. I’ll have to think about it before I pass judgement.

I'm glad it all came together in the end. I can't believe Theo moved into his childhood home with Kathy after all of that. He was such a damaged individual and I feel terrible that Alicia was caught up in his deceptions.

Killed by her father, Gabriel, and then Theo - she never had a chance.

I'm really torn about liking this book or not. Alicia was extremely vulnerable and not by her own doing. The men in her life were controlling, abusive/borderline abusive, and all made terrible choices that she ultimately paid for. That's just a lot for me to stomach.

I'll also admit that thrillers aren't my favorite genre; especially when the thrill is at someone else's expense. That's how this one ended up feeling for me.

I suppose I have to say I enjoyed this because I couldn’t put it down, which is the sign of a good book for me. But there was so much dysfunction on all levels, so much deceit. I thought the author did a masterful job of laying this story out with the great twist at the end. But I also hate that I got sucked into “poor Theo” only to be duped in the end which, of course, is a sign of a good sociopath telling his story ;).

Well, at least Theo will be held accountable for his part in all of this! However I’m still,unsatisfied with the ending. I wish Alicia didn’t have to suffer so much, between her father, Gabriel and Theo. Heck everyone around her seemed to only use her and manipulate her no wonder she wasn’t mentally stable. And it seems that she will continue to be taken advantage of with Jean-Felix planning another exhibit of her work.

From Alexis:

Wow! Indeed I did not guess the real killer until I thought that Theo was the one who gave Alicia an injection. Near the end. Now that I know what Theo did to reveal the state of her marriage to Alicia, I can reconcile why she killed Gabriel and how the myth applies to her, both at the same time. I was immensely satisfied at the end that Theo didn't get away with his actions.

Indeed the author seemed to use the myth to explain how a psychological shift, rather than an actual death of Alicia, led to murder and also how Alicia wouldn't talk. Betrayal is indeed a difficult event with accompanying anger, to handle. Much less with historical "triggers" that set one off. Both Theo and Alicia ended up committing murder in response to this trigger. Although Theo was more concerned with not being discovered than taking revenge.

As I got to the middle of the book, I was definitely hooked to find out how all the pieces fit together and understand if there was a person who came to set up the scene in Alicia's home. Now I understand what was driving Theo to want to work with Alicia although I don't necessarily agree with his action to become her therapist. So from the very beginning Theo crossed boundaries of therapy in order to effect his own agenda.

I am eager to read others' reactions as they finish the book. This book was both a delight to read and difficult.

Rebecca wrote: "Well, at least Theo will be held accountable for his part in all of this! However I’m still,unsatisfied with the ending. I wish Alicia didn’t have to suffer so much, between her father, Gabriel and..."

I feel the exact same way. At least he will be punished, but Alicia still paid the largest price.

Carrie wrote: "I suppose I have to say I enjoyed this because I couldn’t put it down, which is the sign of a good book for me. But there was so much dysfunction on all levels, so much deceit. I thought the author..."

Sociopath indeed!

I couldn't put the book down either but still ended up rating it 3 stars. I couldn't get over how unethical Theo was and it distracted me the entire time. It all made sense in the end but ugh, he was a piece of work.

I think I'm in agreement with you all -- I can't decide how I feel about it. On one hand, I was completely absorbed by the story and couldn't put the book down, which is a mark of a good read, of course. On the other hand, there were no likable characters and there were so many distracting elements to the story. Although I'm relieved to know that Theo will pay for his deeds, the ending was pretty unsatisfactory for me.

Despite all of this, I'm super glad this book was chosen as the February book club pick. I'd been wanting to read it, had recently received it in the mail, and thrillers are always my go-to books.

Can't wait to see what March brings!

Krystal wrote: "I think I'm in agreement with you all -- I can't decide how I feel about it. On one hand, I was completely absorbed by the story and couldn't put the book down, which is a mark of a good read, of c..."

Thrillers aren't my typical picks so I'm happy as well that we chose this book. That makes two months in a row where we have read books I wouldn't have picked for myself.

Be sure to go look at the March thread under General Discussions; I'd love to have everyone's input.

I can't wait to see what we choose for next month!

I love psychological thrillers and I liked this book. I was truly shocked that Theo was the man who was watching Alicia. I actually felt bad for him. His early trauma left him so damaged that he fell into extreme and obsessive behavior rather than confronting his wife about the affair. It’s chilling.

Whew! Could not put these last chapters down! Loved the book.

Deborah wrote: "I love psychological thrillers and I liked this book. I was truly shocked that Theo was the man who was watching Alicia. I actually felt bad for him. His early trauma left him so damaged that he fe..."

I was shocked too! I didn't see that one coming. Agreed about his early trauma... he should have stayed in therapy a bit longer. His personal trauma was the only thing that made me have a soft spot for him.