The Wife Upstairs

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pages: 336

Date Started: 19 October 2022

Date Finished: 22 October 2022

'The Wife Upstairs' takes readers on a thrilling journey through the intertwined lives of Jane, Eddie, and Bea. Jane, an orphan with dreams of escaping her modest life, crosses paths with Eddie Rochester, a wealthy widower who has recently lost his wife, Bea, in a tragic accident. A romantic connection ensues, leading to their decision to marry. However, Jane is haunted by the memory of Bea and her rags-to-riches story, which centers around the successful company 'Southern Manner.' The novel explores Jane's relentless pursuit of Eddie's love and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Bea's death. This book delivers a gripping and suspenseful narrative that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The pacing is impeccable, and the story is devoid of unnecessary subplots or characters, maintaining its focus on the central mystery. The development of the relationship between Jane and Eddie is a particular highlight, showcasing the complexities of their connection. What stands out in 'The Wife Upstairs' is the author's adept portrayal of power dynamics and control within relationships, especially a scene where Eddie instructs Jane on how to command the attention of others. This psychological aspect adds depth to the story and characters. The book's ending successfully defies the reader's expectations, creating an engaging and satisfying experience. For those seeking a thrilling and well-crafted mystery, 'The Wife Upstairs' is a highly recommended choice.

Favorite lines from the book:

• But need is not a word people like this think of. Everything with them is a want.

• There's a trick to spinning lies. You have to embed the truth in there, just a glimmer of it. That's the part that will catch people, and it's what makes the rest of your lies sound like truth, too.

• Watch people’s eyes more than you listened to what they said. Mouths were good at lying, but eyes usually told the truth.

• No one can be judged for the books they buy in airports.

• The stressful part is always making the decision,” Bea used to remind her employee. “Once you’ve made it, it’s done, and you feel better.

• There are always two deaths, the real one and the one people know about.

• Bea had always believed that a man who overestimates his intelligence is a man who can be easily manipulated. Turns out he's also a man who can be really dangerous.

Verity

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: Fiction, Mystery

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pages: 336

Date Started: 13 October 2022

Date Finished: 15 October 2022

In "Verity," Colleen Hoover takes readers on a thrilling ride filled with suspense and unexpected twists. The story revolves around Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who gets a once-in-a-lifetime job offer from Jeremy Crawford. Jeremy's wife, Verity Crawford, is a bestselling author who is unable to complete her series due to an injury. Lowen is tasked with finishing the books by sorting through Verity's notes and outlines. The narrative takes a riveting turn when Lowen discovers an unpublished manuscript, an autobiography by Verity containing shocking revelations, including the truth about her daughter's death. Lowen's decision to keep this manuscript a secret sets off a chain of events that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book successfully maintains its status as a page-turner. The unexpected twists and the portrayal of evil are captivating, making the story difficult to put down. While the ending holds surprises, it might not be entirely unpredictable, and readers may find themselves pondering the complexities of the characters and their actions. "Verity" is a good novel with a gripping plot, but it's essential to note that it delves into dark and intense themes. The book offers a compelling reading experience and is likely to resonate with those who appreciate suspenseful storytelling and morally complex characters.

Favorite lines from the book:

• Death by routine.

• But here in Manhattan, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle happens so often it's not much more than an inconvenience. A delay in traffic for some, a ruined wardrobe for others. This probably happens so often, it won't even end up in the print.

• You seek out people like you...people worse off than you...and you use them to make yourself feel better about the terrible things that have happened to you.

• I think Verity might have made up the term. After our daughters died, she said chronics. Prone to chronic tragedy. One terrible thing after another.

• What has to go wrong, goes wrong. And then gets worse.

• The richer you are, the more creative you are able to be.

• No one is likable from the inside out.

• Find what you love and let it kill you.

• Most people come to New York to be discovered. The rest of us come here to hide.

The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

Author: Nadia Hashimi

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pages: 452

Date Started: 20 September 2022

Date Finished: 13 October 2022

Nadia Hashimi's "The Pearl That Broke Its Shell" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that weaves together the stories of Shekiba and Rahima, two Afghan women from different generations who both experience the tradition of "bacha posh," a practice where a girl is dressed and raised as a boy when a family lacks sons. The narrative offers a powerful exploration of the challenges and resilience faced by Afghan women and the constraints imposed upon them by their society. Both Shekiba and Rahima are compelling characters, each navigating the complex realities of their times and standing as symbols of strength in the face of adversity. Rahima's courage in confronting societal norms and fighting for her own voice is a testament to the enduring spirit of Afghan women. The emotional roller coaster experienced throughout the story is a testament to the author's ability to connect readers with the characters and the harsh world they inhabit. The storytelling, which alternates between the past and present, provides a rich and multi-layered reading experience. The struggles and triumphs depicted in the narrative are poignant and timely, shining a light on the harsh realities faced by women in Afghanistan. Hashimi's narrative style keeps readers engaged and emotionally invested in the story, despite moments where the plot may feel a bit looser. "The Pearl That Broke Its Shell" serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles of women around the world, highlighting the fight for basic rights and survival. The impact of war and societal norms on women is a central theme, and the novel succeeds in shedding light on these important issues. Overall, Nadia Hashimi's book is a powerful and emotionally resonant read that offers insight into the lives of Afghan women. It serves as a compelling narrative that invites readers to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of women in Afghanistan and beyond.

Favorite lines from the book:

• You're a fool to think these girls are better off rotting in this home instead of learning something in school.

• Madar-jan must have died looking at the face of God, Shekiba thought. Nothing else could have brought the look of peace so quickly.

• Why would Amrika be so upset after just one building was attacked? Half of our country had crumbled under Taliban. We are all thinking the same thing. If only Amrika would have been upset about that too.

• That is the problem with gifts, Madar-jan, they are always given away.

• People in our neighborhood weren’t starving but we all thought twice before throwing a scrap to a stray dog.

• Once married, girls no longer belonged to the families that raised them.

• I faintly remember her praying over me, mumbling something about my not having the same fate as her uncle's wives. I wonder if it was her prayers that protected me.

• Tell me this, how do you know what your naseeb is?

• The dress, the husband, the mother-in-law, I wishes I could toss them all aside.

• Naseeb. Was it really Jahangir’s destiny to be taken so young? Was it my naseeb never to see my son grow taller than me, to go to school, to help his father at work?

• I could hear them from down the hall and prayed along with them, hoping it did Jahangir some good. It did me none.

• Even a newborn can tell she is not wanted.

• I may have killed one of Abdul Khaliq’s children. But he had just killed another.

• But sometimes you have to act out of line, I suppose. Sometimes you have to take a chance if you want something badly enough.

• This life is difficult. We lose fathers, brothers, mothers, songbirds and pieces of ourselves. Whips strike the innocent, honors go to the guilty, and there is too much loneliness. I would be a fool to pray for my children to escape all of that. Ask for too much and it might actually turn out worse. But I can pray for small things, like fertile fields, a mother’s love, a child’s smile—a life that’s less bitter than sweet.