This month’s review book:
Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
ISBN: 9781921758157 - Text Publishing - RRP: $29.95
Description:
Christine wakes in a strange bed beside a man she does not recognise. In the bathroom she finds a photograph of him taped to the mirror, and beneath it the words 'Your husband'.
Each day, Christine wakes knowing nothing of her life. Each night, her mind erases the day. But before she goes to sleep, she will recover fragments from her past, flashbacks to the accident that damaged her, and then—mercifully—she will forget.
Chilling, exquisitely crafted and compulsively readable, S. J. Watson's debut novel Before I Go to Sleep is a psychological thriller of the highest order. It asks primary questions. Are there things best not remembered? Who are we if we do not know our own history? How do we love without memory?
Cheryl Akle's review:
Before I Go to Sleep is a very different thriller, quite complex. My heart was racing while I read it. It's a totally enthralling read.
Book Club members’ reviews:
Before I started reading this book, I was expecting something similar to previous books 'Still Alice' and 'Left Neglected'- an interesting, fairly factual story about a woman's struggle with a brain injury. What I wasn't expecting was a Non-Put-Downable Twisty-Turny great read! I was captured by Christine's daily quest to understand who she was. I don't have Amnesia and I'm still trying to work out who I am every day too!!! The surprises were, on the whole, surprising. The author expertly led the reader through what could have been a confusing narrative. The ending was well resolved and satisfying. 'Before I go to Sleep' made me think about trusting your inner voice - Christine's instincts on what was the truth and who to trust were spot on, even when she didn't know it. We all need to follow those instincts. Looking forward to next month’s book!! (Gillian)
Before I Go To Sleep is a book that is impossible to put down, I read it in 2 days! I loved the way it was written, so that you learn things about Christine and her life as she does. The way that the book is split into 3 sections gives it more depth than your average novel. Before I Go To Sleep is as gripping and turbulent tale leaving you wondering who you can trust. I highly recommend it! (Bernice)
Before I go to Sleep is a cross between the movies 'Momento' and '50 first Dates'. It's a great effort for first timer S.J. Watson and was an interesting read. Although not something that I'd recommend as it was a touch 'vanilla' for my taste. (Tiffany)
Despite the name of this book, I would not recommend reading this one before bed as you may find you do as I did and glance over at the clock only to find it is 5.30am and you have missed a complete night’s sleep because you just couldn’t put it down! I felt the author was very clever the way he slowly released more and more information throughout the story. As there was not many characters in this book, I felt suspicious of all of them at one time or another but figured out the plot about two-thirds the way through. This was a cracking good thriller! (Vanessa)
Another pick for this month:
Prime Cut by Alan Carter
ISBN:9781921696503 - Fremantle Press - RRP: $32.95
Description:
The world is in economic meltdown but a mining town of Hopetoun, Western Australia, is booming.
With the town's population exploding, it's easy enough to hide a crime - and a dirty past.
Disgraced police-service golden boy DSC Cato Kwong is doing time investigating roadkill with the Stock Squad. But when the ocean throws up a human torso onto the shores of Hopetoun, Cato is called in from the cold.
Cato faces powerful opposition in the town when his investigation lifts the lid on the exploitation of migrant workers. The stakes are raised higher when the Chinese whispers started by Cato disturb an even darker criminal mind.
Cheryl Akle's review:
I was immersed in Prime Cut. It's well written, with a very strong sense of place. I loved it and felt it was a really great Australian thriller.
Next month’s book:
Last Summer By Kylie Ladd
ISBN: 9781742375014 - Allen & Unwin RRP: $29.99
Description:
Rory has it all: looks, talent, charisma - an all around good-guy, he's the centre of every party and a loving father and husband. Then one summer's afternoon tragedy strikes ... and those who closest to him struggle to come to terms with their loss. Friendships are strained, marriages falter and loyalties are tested in a gripping and brilliantly crafted novel about loss, grief and desire.
