Misunderstanding: The Tiger in Me

by Eva Barber

Misunderstanding is a twisty psychological thriller about friendship, love, betrayal, and revenge. Two friends from different backgrounds, both with problems at home, form an unlikely emotive relationship. Their friendship strengthens as they rely on each other for emotional support as they cope with their family issues, each in her own way. When a mysterious man with questionable motives comes between the friends, their bond is tested. With a family fortune at stake and a sinister family history lurking in the background and bizarre disappearances unfolding, the friends endure unimaginable and life-changing events and disturbing revelations. Will their friendship survive or will they succumb to revenge?

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2025

About the author

Eva Barber is the author of Unborn, the first book in the Dark World series, a speculative fiction adventure that she began writing while working as a biologist and environmentalist. Eva’s artistic background contributes to her cinematic writing style, while her background in science grounds her fantastic stories in reality. Eva writes books about science that blend myth, family drama, and what it means to belong and sacrifice. The places she’s visited inspire her stories and characters in part and lived in Europe, but she calls the evergreen Pacific Northwest her home now. When she’s not writing or painting or playing with dirt, she enjoys camping and hiking with her husband and their two spoiled mutts.
Her latest book, Brilliant Genesia, won a literary award for exceptional storytelling, creativity, and ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.

For more information about the author, visit her website: evalidiabarber.com

Reviews

[Andrea George · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you LibraryThing and Eva Barber for an autographed arc of "Misunderstanding: The Tiger in Me". The plot follows the lives of Alice and Lilly. Based on a chance encounter at the age of five, they become inseparable friends. Their socioeconomic status is totally opposite. However, they have more in common than they realize. After college graduation, they slowly drift apart due to their careers. A surprise engagement party for Lilly brings them back together. The reunion is short lived due to a misunderstanding. Will their lives and friendship be able to survive, or will the need for revenge be too strong to resist?
Overall, I found the novel to be easy to read and the plot easy to follow. I questioned a lot of what was happening throughout as the plot didn't always make sense to me. However, as the story progressed and ended, my questions were answered. I would definitely recommend.

[Tracey Madeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel does begin with some violence and domestic abuse, but it is tastefully done and is not prevalent throughout the book. The protagonists are two best friends, Lily and Alice, one rich and one poor. Alice stands up to her abusive father and pursues her passion for photography. Her inability to commit to any serious relationship stems from her childhood.

The second half of the book concerns Alice’s abduction and the police’s efforts to find her. This raises questions about motivation, whether Lily is jealous, whether it is a rejected ex-boyfriend and how she is transported to Russia without her knowledge. There is also the reversal of mother and father at the end of the book, where mum intentionally kills her son and the father only drinks out of grief, thus when he leaves her, he is a rich and changed man.

Generally, this is a good entertaining read, but some of the conclusions are not supported throughout the novel.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Misunderstanding: The Tiger in Me by Eva Barber

Two girls from completely different backgrounds form an unlikely friendship. As they grow into adults their friendship is tested when a mysterious man enters the scene. Lives will be in danger and loyalties tested.

The story moves at a fast pace moving from time frames quickly. Each girl is unique and complex (but) their homelife is described well. At times I was a bit confused as to what was happening, or what age the girls were. By the end it all seems to fall into place.

Overall I found Misunderstanding: The tiger in me a good read, although I would have liked a bit more detail. This is a book I plan to read a second (and) hope to enjoy it more.

[Scovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story about two girls who were both awkward and met as kids. They had their different life issues. One came from a family with an abusive parent, and the other came from a lot of money and no attention.The two girls found each other and formed a lifelong friendship and went through life as an unbreakable team. With an unbreakable bond.These types of stories take you through a character's life and capture your attention and give you a familiar feeling towards the characters, and I absolutely enjoyed this read.

[Seta Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟 I received this book as a giveaway. I thought this book had a lot of potential. I enjoyed the story and writing style, and I found myself very interested in the characters and what would happen to them. I did feel like some of the earlier chapters could be condensed some, and it was in need of editing because it had many mistakes. Overall, it was an enjoyable story and I am glad i read it.

[emma ulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one evening, the same day I got it. It was absolutely addictive, and so well thought out. I wasn’t entirely sure where it was going at the beginning, but there were so many surprises and twists along the way it had me on the edge of my seat. This is one of my new favorite books, and I love it so much. I highly recommend it!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misunderstanding: The Tiger in Me is a twisty psychological thriller that blends friendship, betrayal, and dark family secrets into a tense and emotionally charged story. At its core, this novel is about the fragile bonds between two young women from very different backgrounds who find comfort and understanding in each other while struggling with their own troubled home lives.

The emotional foundation of the book is its greatest strength. The friendship feels genuine and necessary, built on shared vulnerability and mutual support. When a mysterious man with questionable intentions enters their lives, that carefully balanced relationship begins to fracture, setting off a chain of events that quickly spirals into suspicion, fear, and dangerous consequences.

As the story unfolds, layers of intrigue are added through a shadowy family history, a contested fortune, and a series of unsettling disappearances. The tension steadily builds, and the author does a good job of keeping the reader guessing about motives and loyalties. The question of whether the characters will choose forgiveness or revenge hangs over every major turn in the plot.

Overall, this is a solid and engaging psychological thriller that will especially appeal to readers who enjoy mystery and crime stories driven by emotional stakes as much as suspense. With its blend of personal drama and darker twists, it makes for a compelling and absorbing read.