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The Origins of Iris
Author of the critically-acclaimed debut The Wolf Road, Beth Lewis returns with her brand new novel The Origins of Iris where Wild meets Sliding Doors.
'I opened my eyes and the woman wearing my face opened hers at the same time.'
Iris flees New York City, and her abusive wife Claude, for the Catskill Mountains. When she was a child, Iris and her father found solace in the beauty and wilderness of the forest; now, years later, Iris has returned for time and space to clear her head, and to come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here. But what Iris doesn't expect in her journey of survival and self-discovery is to find herself - literally.
Trapped in a neglected cabin deep in the mountains, Iris is grudgingly forced to come face to face with a seemingly prettier, happier and better version of herself. Other Iris made different choices in life and love. But is she all she seems? Can she be trusted? What is she hiding?
As a storm encroaches, threatening both their lives, time is running out for them to discover why they have been brought together, and what it means for their futures.
An important, searing novel about one woman's journey in fleeing an abusive relationship and confronting the secrets of her past.
'I opened my eyes and the woman wearing my face opened hers at the same time.'
Iris flees New York City, and her abusive wife Claude, for the Catskill Mountains. When she was a child, Iris and her father found solace in the beauty and wilderness of the forest; now, years later, Iris has returned for time and space to clear her head, and to come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here. But what Iris doesn't expect in her journey of survival and self-discovery is to find herself - literally.
Trapped in a neglected cabin deep in the mountains, Iris is grudgingly forced to come face to face with a seemingly prettier, happier and better version of herself. Other Iris made different choices in life and love. But is she all she seems? Can she be trusted? What is she hiding?
As a storm encroaches, threatening both their lives, time is running out for them to discover why they have been brought together, and what it means for their futures.
An important, searing novel about one woman's journey in fleeing an abusive relationship and confronting the secrets of her past.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2021
9 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Beth Lewis
5 books346 followersBeth Lewis was raised in the wilds of Cornwall and split her childhood between books and the beach. She has travelled extensively and has had close encounters with black bears, killer whales, and Great White sharks. She has been, at turns, a bank cashier, fire performer, juggler, and is currently working publishing. Her debut novel, The Wolf Road, was shortlisted for the inaugural Glass Bell Award and her third novel, The Origins of Iris was shortlisted for the Polari Prize. She lives in Oxford with her wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 25, 2021
If you have never read Beth Lewis before, this raw, emotionally heartbreaking novel is a great place to start. Lewis examines the anatomy of love, betrayal and abuse within a lesbian marriage, something rarely portrayed, set in New York. It begins with the eponymous flawed Iris walking out on her life with her most valued possession, a telescope, leaving her wife, the beautiful Claude, without looking back, taking particular routes so she cannot be traced. We learn through a narrative of before and after, the details of Iris's background, her closeness to a father unhappy in his marriage who found solace in dreaming of escaping into nature and his obsession with the stars which Iris shares. Iris is burdened with a unbearable guilt she is unable to shed at his death when she was 16.
It is this guilt that provides the bedrock of why Iris remained in a marriage that had her terrorised, living in fear of her life, feeling she deserved all the bad things that happened, whilst simultaneously hampered by her all consuming love for her wife. Iris heads to the one place she feels connected to her father, the wilderness, only to find herself facing a epic biblical battle for her soul and identity. With the deployment of a little magical realism, Iris comes face to face with different versions of herself, one in particular that illustrates how life could have been, if only she had made different choices. However, can she trust the 'perfect' life of this other Iris? Haunted by Claude, Iris is forced to face her inner demons, enter the dark heart of who she is and challenging truths she can barely acknowledge, whilst a raging storm threatens to destroy all in its path.
This is a bare knuckle and bloody fight for a life, a traumatised Iris has to come to terms with who she is and the secrets buried within her, and it almost kills her. She emerges with the hard won knowledge that she is now able to walk a new path, strong enough to come face to face with Claude again, and come out intact, although we are left in a state of ambiguity as to what Iris does after this. This is a stunning but emotionally tough read, of issues that do not often get coverage, of a lesbian marriage, of coercive control,the lies, the deceptions, and life threating abuse. Iris is an abused woman who hardly anyone believes, finding herself isolated and alone, unwilling to reveal the grim realities of her marriage to anyone, who finally finds the courage to leave, but that is the mere shadows of the beginnings to what she has to undergo to reclaim herself again. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
It is this guilt that provides the bedrock of why Iris remained in a marriage that had her terrorised, living in fear of her life, feeling she deserved all the bad things that happened, whilst simultaneously hampered by her all consuming love for her wife. Iris heads to the one place she feels connected to her father, the wilderness, only to find herself facing a epic biblical battle for her soul and identity. With the deployment of a little magical realism, Iris comes face to face with different versions of herself, one in particular that illustrates how life could have been, if only she had made different choices. However, can she trust the 'perfect' life of this other Iris? Haunted by Claude, Iris is forced to face her inner demons, enter the dark heart of who she is and challenging truths she can barely acknowledge, whilst a raging storm threatens to destroy all in its path.
This is a bare knuckle and bloody fight for a life, a traumatised Iris has to come to terms with who she is and the secrets buried within her, and it almost kills her. She emerges with the hard won knowledge that she is now able to walk a new path, strong enough to come face to face with Claude again, and come out intact, although we are left in a state of ambiguity as to what Iris does after this. This is a stunning but emotionally tough read, of issues that do not often get coverage, of a lesbian marriage, of coercive control,the lies, the deceptions, and life threating abuse. Iris is an abused woman who hardly anyone believes, finding herself isolated and alone, unwilling to reveal the grim realities of her marriage to anyone, who finally finds the courage to leave, but that is the mere shadows of the beginnings to what she has to undergo to reclaim herself again. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
October 12, 2021
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was really good! I read and enjoyed The Wolf Road by the same author so I was eager to give this book a try. This is a very different book than that one was and I love that this author’s work is so varied. This is a thriller that paints a picture of life within an abusive relationship for Iris and her wife, Claude. This is a story about finding yourself, quite literally. I am so glad that I was able to pick up this book!
The story is told from Iris’s point of view during two different alternating points in time: before and after. Since we know where Iris ended up, it is really eye-opening to learn about her past and how she got to the place she was at. All of the events and choices in her life have made her the person she is today. Imagine her surprise when she is put face to face with another version of herself whose life looks a little different due to the different choices she has made in life.
I thought that this book was really well-done. I really liked the fact that it was really unique and different than anything else I have read before. I grew to really like Iris. She has been through a lot and I really felt for her with many of the events in her life leaving her feeling very alone. I thought that the abusive relationship was expertly illustrated in this book. I liked Iris more and more as I worked my way through this book. She had a lot to figure out so that she could move on with her life.
I would recommend this book to others. This book deals with some pretty important topics and it does it well. I found this to be a very thought-provoking book and had a hard time putting it down.
I received a digital review copy from Mobius Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was really good! I really enjoyed The Wolf Road by this author and was eager to check out her newest book. I found this book to be quite the page-turner and couldn't wait to see how things would work out for Iris in the end.
This was really good! I read and enjoyed The Wolf Road by the same author so I was eager to give this book a try. This is a very different book than that one was and I love that this author’s work is so varied. This is a thriller that paints a picture of life within an abusive relationship for Iris and her wife, Claude. This is a story about finding yourself, quite literally. I am so glad that I was able to pick up this book!
The story is told from Iris’s point of view during two different alternating points in time: before and after. Since we know where Iris ended up, it is really eye-opening to learn about her past and how she got to the place she was at. All of the events and choices in her life have made her the person she is today. Imagine her surprise when she is put face to face with another version of herself whose life looks a little different due to the different choices she has made in life.
I thought that this book was really well-done. I really liked the fact that it was really unique and different than anything else I have read before. I grew to really like Iris. She has been through a lot and I really felt for her with many of the events in her life leaving her feeling very alone. I thought that the abusive relationship was expertly illustrated in this book. I liked Iris more and more as I worked my way through this book. She had a lot to figure out so that she could move on with her life.
I would recommend this book to others. This book deals with some pretty important topics and it does it well. I found this to be a very thought-provoking book and had a hard time putting it down.
I received a digital review copy from Mobius Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
This was really good! I really enjoyed The Wolf Road by this author and was eager to check out her newest book. I found this book to be quite the page-turner and couldn't wait to see how things would work out for Iris in the end.
May 19, 2021
Beth Lewis has pulled off something of a magic trick here, her first two novels were my no 1 reads of their years and gosh if she hasn't once again put me in a position where it will be very difficult for me to pick anything except The Origins of Iris for my No 1 of 2021.
The Origins of Iris is an exquisite, heart wrenching knife edge of a novel, a modern day fable that seeps into your consciousness as you read and will leave you feeling melancholy, it is wonderful and intense.
Full review for publication.
The Origins of Iris is an exquisite, heart wrenching knife edge of a novel, a modern day fable that seeps into your consciousness as you read and will leave you feeling melancholy, it is wonderful and intense.
Full review for publication.
August 18, 2021
My first Beth Lewis, and it won’t be my last. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this in advance of publication, and now to find a copy of The Wolf Road.
The Origins of Iris is like Sliding Doors for adults, where the focus is on the choices we make and how they affect us and those around us. Through the device of ‘before’ and ‘after’ narratives we learn about the character of Iris and how she gets to the point she is now.
Iris is a young girl, obsessed by space and loving the time she spends outdoors with her father. Iris is a teenager, finding the body of her father hanging in the woods. Iris is the slightly disappointed wife, sticking with someone she doesn’t really love because of their shared history. Iris is the snarky best friend who is always up for a different experience. Iris is also the scared abused wife who hides the reality of her existence because she feels she deserves what is happening to her.
Though the subject was not an easy one to read about, and the sense of pessimism pervading the lives of those who feel they've made bad choices was hard to take, there was so much to love about this book.
When we see Iris has taken it upon herself to run away and lose herself in the Catskill Mountains it would be all too easy to see this as a disaster waiting to happen. When she first starts walking and camping in the shelter there were some hysterical moments - Monty the racoon made me snort laugh - but it soon became clear that this was going to be a journey like no other. A journey that was very necessary, but one which she might not survive.
The Origins of Iris is like Sliding Doors for adults, where the focus is on the choices we make and how they affect us and those around us. Through the device of ‘before’ and ‘after’ narratives we learn about the character of Iris and how she gets to the point she is now.
Iris is a young girl, obsessed by space and loving the time she spends outdoors with her father. Iris is a teenager, finding the body of her father hanging in the woods. Iris is the slightly disappointed wife, sticking with someone she doesn’t really love because of their shared history. Iris is the snarky best friend who is always up for a different experience. Iris is also the scared abused wife who hides the reality of her existence because she feels she deserves what is happening to her.
Though the subject was not an easy one to read about, and the sense of pessimism pervading the lives of those who feel they've made bad choices was hard to take, there was so much to love about this book.
When we see Iris has taken it upon herself to run away and lose herself in the Catskill Mountains it would be all too easy to see this as a disaster waiting to happen. When she first starts walking and camping in the shelter there were some hysterical moments - Monty the racoon made me snort laugh - but it soon became clear that this was going to be a journey like no other. A journey that was very necessary, but one which she might not survive.
August 19, 2021
The Origins of Iris is a captivating novel set against the backdrop of atmospheric, haunting and remote scenery. It is while staying in an isolated cabin in the wilderness, Iris confronts her past in this thought-provoking, evocative thriller. Startlingly, Iris comes face to face with an alternate version of herself in this tale replete with resilience, hope and the variety of different narratives we tell ourselves. As a child, Iris and her father found solace in the beauty and wilderness of the forest, and now Iris needs time to come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here. What Iris doesn’t expect in this journey of survival and self-discovery is to find herself—quite literally. Trapped in a neglected cabin deep in the Catskill mountains and with rapidly dwindling supplies, Iris is forced to come face-to-face with a seemingly happier, prettier, better version of herself. She feels this way even after uprooting from her enviable life back in New York and her Manhattan penthouse. But is this other Iris all she seems? Can the doppelgänger be trusted? What is she hiding? And why did she end up here if her life went down such a different path?
This is a captivating and powerful read that touches on notions of self-discovery and survival as well as hope and optimism and explores serious themes bravely and sympathetically. It also addresses the very real, very serious, but largely overlooked issue of domestic violence within same-sex relationships, an issue close to Lewis’ heart. The author’s imagination is thrilling, employing different literary devices and genres to tell an incredibly human story and the contrast between the glamourous Hollywood aspects of the tale and the brutal survivalist side is incredibly effective at showing Iris from two different perspectives; you could say it combines the usual white-knuckle, survivalist perils with a dose of Hollywood woo and weaves a thoroughly original book in the process. The fact that Iris comes face to face with herself leaves her examining her very essence in a beguilingly unique and thought-provoking fashion. Intricately spun yet so wonderfully simple and understated, this is such an emotionally resonant novel that has you feeling every emotion encountered by Iris who is a beautifully painted character with great depth and complexities. Highly recommended.
This is a captivating and powerful read that touches on notions of self-discovery and survival as well as hope and optimism and explores serious themes bravely and sympathetically. It also addresses the very real, very serious, but largely overlooked issue of domestic violence within same-sex relationships, an issue close to Lewis’ heart. The author’s imagination is thrilling, employing different literary devices and genres to tell an incredibly human story and the contrast between the glamourous Hollywood aspects of the tale and the brutal survivalist side is incredibly effective at showing Iris from two different perspectives; you could say it combines the usual white-knuckle, survivalist perils with a dose of Hollywood woo and weaves a thoroughly original book in the process. The fact that Iris comes face to face with herself leaves her examining her very essence in a beguilingly unique and thought-provoking fashion. Intricately spun yet so wonderfully simple and understated, this is such an emotionally resonant novel that has you feeling every emotion encountered by Iris who is a beautifully painted character with great depth and complexities. Highly recommended.
August 26, 2021
The story chronicles the emotional toll an abusive relationship can have on an individual and how one can lose their identity.
Going into this story, I didn't really know what I was getting into, as this is one of those books where the cover caught my attention. And now that I've read the story, it perfectly captures the narrator and what she experiences following years of abuse.
Now, if abuse is a trigger for you, I will point out that a good part of this story is not about that abuse. It begins as a love story when the narrator, Iris, believes she has found her soulmate. A shared glance at a bar, is followed by a drink weeks later. Iris quickly forms a bit of an obsession with this woman, Claude, and relishes every moment she's in her orbit.
Slowly, Claude takes over Iris' world. At first everything is good, moving into Claude's luxury apartment, having Claude secure Iris her dream job, etc. Month by month, year by year, Claude inserts more control over Iris, how she dresses, how she acts. Things may have been ok if that's where things ended. However, Clause also has a bit of a temper, and Iris becomes her target, when she doesn't live up to Claude's high expectations. It is this part of the story that may be difficult for some readers, but I thought the author delivered them in an honest way, especially how the aftermath was handled.
The book alternates from Before (when Iris is with Claude), to After (when Iris finally runs away). The After part was a little odd at times, and hard to grasp what Iris is going through, as she isolates herself in the woods of the Catskills. However, with time it was clear Iris' breakdown is related to her struggle with her identity following years under Claude's thumb.
While there are parts of this book that are slow, my rating is based on how the author brought the story together and with time, showing Iris' inner strength to change her path. A great message overall and positive conclusion to an otherwise dark subject.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
Going into this story, I didn't really know what I was getting into, as this is one of those books where the cover caught my attention. And now that I've read the story, it perfectly captures the narrator and what she experiences following years of abuse.
Now, if abuse is a trigger for you, I will point out that a good part of this story is not about that abuse. It begins as a love story when the narrator, Iris, believes she has found her soulmate. A shared glance at a bar, is followed by a drink weeks later. Iris quickly forms a bit of an obsession with this woman, Claude, and relishes every moment she's in her orbit.
Slowly, Claude takes over Iris' world. At first everything is good, moving into Claude's luxury apartment, having Claude secure Iris her dream job, etc. Month by month, year by year, Claude inserts more control over Iris, how she dresses, how she acts. Things may have been ok if that's where things ended. However, Clause also has a bit of a temper, and Iris becomes her target, when she doesn't live up to Claude's high expectations. It is this part of the story that may be difficult for some readers, but I thought the author delivered them in an honest way, especially how the aftermath was handled.
The book alternates from Before (when Iris is with Claude), to After (when Iris finally runs away). The After part was a little odd at times, and hard to grasp what Iris is going through, as she isolates herself in the woods of the Catskills. However, with time it was clear Iris' breakdown is related to her struggle with her identity following years under Claude's thumb.
While there are parts of this book that are slow, my rating is based on how the author brought the story together and with time, showing Iris' inner strength to change her path. A great message overall and positive conclusion to an otherwise dark subject.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
March 12, 2021
I've long been a fan of Beth Lewis and have seriously enjoyed her previous works. I've always felt that she has been underappreciated and undervalued as an author previously, as her stories have simply been compelling.
I feel those views could change now, as I was lucky enough to read The Origins Of Iris earlier thanks to NetGallery and simply stated, this book is a game changer.
I won't give away any secrets, but it's raw intensity and emotional charge is voracious and gripping. Some of the story and topics are brutally honest and raw, but these are truths that need to be spoken and told to a wide an audience as possible.
The story is captivating & the all the characters formed from such imagination & love. Such is it's strength & intensity, there were some chapters that were so emotional and poignant that I deliberately slowed my reading down to read, digest and think. To encounter such depth and challenge from a book is a wonderful thing and I genuinely hope that this book succeeds and is read by as many people as possible, as it should serve as a motivator for change and seen as a empowering, strong & wonderful piece of fiction.
I feel those views could change now, as I was lucky enough to read The Origins Of Iris earlier thanks to NetGallery and simply stated, this book is a game changer.
I won't give away any secrets, but it's raw intensity and emotional charge is voracious and gripping. Some of the story and topics are brutally honest and raw, but these are truths that need to be spoken and told to a wide an audience as possible.
The story is captivating & the all the characters formed from such imagination & love. Such is it's strength & intensity, there were some chapters that were so emotional and poignant that I deliberately slowed my reading down to read, digest and think. To encounter such depth and challenge from a book is a wonderful thing and I genuinely hope that this book succeeds and is read by as many people as possible, as it should serve as a motivator for change and seen as a empowering, strong & wonderful piece of fiction.
September 9, 2021
Wow! This book had fully captured my attention by page two, that is highly unusual for me. It has a raw intensity from the start, the compelling narrative will take you to the darkest of corners and leave you utterly spent. The writing is stunning, the subject matter at times is highly disturbing and there are trigger warnings aplenty but what marks this novel as special is the captivating message of hope, of self discovery and of survival.
'The forest, the trees, the stars, the isolation, they might not fix me, but distance, perspective,
remembering where I came from, who I was, they would. They had to.'
Iris has run away, escaped an abusive marriage and travelled to the Catskill Mountains to clear her
head and come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here.
This is a story of a woman who is on the brink of an abyss; the unresolved guilt that comes with a
tragic loss early in life, layered with a passionate but utterly destructive marriage. Iris is in danger of
losing herself and most crucially, losing her will to live.
Her father believed that there were infinite worlds, with infinite versions of ourselves; all taking a
unique path according to the choices that were made. He spent hours looking up at the stars and
wondering about the alternate versions of himself and his family.
Not a new idea, and something that I have often day dreamed about, but Beth Lewis takes this Sliding Doors premise and uses it with the most amazing results. Whether the appearance of an alternate Iris is a manifestation of her inner demons and potential psychosis, a nod to the 16th century monk Giordano Bruno (he was shunned for his unfashionable beliefs of the cosmos), or a sweet dollop of magical realism, doesn't matter. What we witness is a woman pushed to the brink, take stock, face her truth, take responsibility for her decisions and make preparations to choose a path.
'I could never look at a decision the same way again. It mattered now what I did, if affected the world, it affected me. All of me. It should have always mattered, but I had been too destructive, too absorbed in myself, too sad and guilty to realise. No more rush now, no more ill-prepared, idiotic, impulsive Iris. It was time to grow up. It was time to forgive myself.'
My thoughts on the end of this perfectly balanced tale summed up in a quote from the beginning of the book:
'I lingered a moment, hoping and fearing she both would and wouldn't message back, before realising this was the path to madness and pocketing my phone'
I am not sure why I haven't seen this book everywhere, it certainly deserves the attention.
'The forest, the trees, the stars, the isolation, they might not fix me, but distance, perspective,
remembering where I came from, who I was, they would. They had to.'
Iris has run away, escaped an abusive marriage and travelled to the Catskill Mountains to clear her
head and come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here.
This is a story of a woman who is on the brink of an abyss; the unresolved guilt that comes with a
tragic loss early in life, layered with a passionate but utterly destructive marriage. Iris is in danger of
losing herself and most crucially, losing her will to live.
Her father believed that there were infinite worlds, with infinite versions of ourselves; all taking a
unique path according to the choices that were made. He spent hours looking up at the stars and
wondering about the alternate versions of himself and his family.
Not a new idea, and something that I have often day dreamed about, but Beth Lewis takes this Sliding Doors premise and uses it with the most amazing results. Whether the appearance of an alternate Iris is a manifestation of her inner demons and potential psychosis, a nod to the 16th century monk Giordano Bruno (he was shunned for his unfashionable beliefs of the cosmos), or a sweet dollop of magical realism, doesn't matter. What we witness is a woman pushed to the brink, take stock, face her truth, take responsibility for her decisions and make preparations to choose a path.
'I could never look at a decision the same way again. It mattered now what I did, if affected the world, it affected me. All of me. It should have always mattered, but I had been too destructive, too absorbed in myself, too sad and guilty to realise. No more rush now, no more ill-prepared, idiotic, impulsive Iris. It was time to grow up. It was time to forgive myself.'
My thoughts on the end of this perfectly balanced tale summed up in a quote from the beginning of the book:
'I lingered a moment, hoping and fearing she both would and wouldn't message back, before realising this was the path to madness and pocketing my phone'
I am not sure why I haven't seen this book everywhere, it certainly deserves the attention.
August 2, 2022
This is the story of Iris, who we meet as she is fleeing her life. She is leaving the city, her job and her marriage to disappear into the wilderness. Armed with little more than her regrets and pain - from the loss of her father, from the abuse she has suffered at the hands of her wife, from her unrealised dreams - she finds herself trying to survive in an abandoned hikers' cabin. Alone with her thoughts, Iris has to face up to herself. But when the metaphorical becomes physical and she is joined by a seemingly happier, healthier version of herself, Iris has to examine the choices and beliefs that have brought her to this place. Before it is t0o late for both of her selves.
I thought the premise of this book was really good, and it was executed well. Lewis can build a story by revealing things strategically, and I liked the way both the full picture of Iris' past and what was going on at the cabin built. Iris can be funny and likeable, but she's also deeply flawed, so I found myself simultaneously wanting her to escape and survive whilst also wanting her to feel the repercussions of some of her choices.
Intimate partner violence in lesbian relationships is something that is really only starting to have some light shone on it. I have Carmen Maria Machado's memoir In the Dream House on my TBR, which also addresses this topic, but although Iris' story is fiction I did find the escalation of abuse and imbalance of power very authentic. I thought the situation and reactions felt plausible, which I always think is important when portraying such a difficult topic.
What I struggled with was Iris' ultimate response to the abuse, which is revealed at the climax of the story. I suppose I can understand some of what Lewis' reasoning was - that everyone has a breaking point, and that no one is all victim or all abuser. But as I found that Iris wasn't always an easy character to sympathise with, this final reveal really left me cold.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was pretty unique in terms of concept and subject. But did feel it was let down by Iris' final actions, when there are other ways that could have played out.
I received a NetGalley of this title from Hodder and Stoughton in return for a review. All opinions are my own.
I thought the premise of this book was really good, and it was executed well. Lewis can build a story by revealing things strategically, and I liked the way both the full picture of Iris' past and what was going on at the cabin built. Iris can be funny and likeable, but she's also deeply flawed, so I found myself simultaneously wanting her to escape and survive whilst also wanting her to feel the repercussions of some of her choices.
Intimate partner violence in lesbian relationships is something that is really only starting to have some light shone on it. I have Carmen Maria Machado's memoir In the Dream House on my TBR, which also addresses this topic, but although Iris' story is fiction I did find the escalation of abuse and imbalance of power very authentic. I thought the situation and reactions felt plausible, which I always think is important when portraying such a difficult topic.
What I struggled with was Iris' ultimate response to the abuse, which is revealed at the climax of the story. I suppose I can understand some of what Lewis' reasoning was - that everyone has a breaking point, and that no one is all victim or all abuser. But as I found that Iris wasn't always an easy character to sympathise with, this final reveal really left me cold.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it was pretty unique in terms of concept and subject. But did feel it was let down by Iris' final actions, when there are other ways that could have played out.
I received a NetGalley of this title from Hodder and Stoughton in return for a review. All opinions are my own.
June 7, 2023
I loved the idea behind this book ("what if I'd made different choices in life"), and it's an interesting way of exploring that idea. But on top of that, the writing is gripping, and I found it very hard to put the book down to go to sleep! I'll be looking out for more by the same author.
December 29, 2025
Raw and emotional. I’m not a fan of magic realism, should have paid more attention to blurb and reviews. I never considered not finishing. I had to see what happened to Iris. I’m open to trying another book by this author.
August 4, 2021
One of the best books I have read this year. Iris flees an abusive marriage to "find herself" and retreats to the forests she explored with her father as a child. She has experienced so much trauma in her life and her marriage has left her a shadow of her former self. Forest life is not easy and a pesky (but loveable) raccoon does not help matters. Iris feels she is being watched and after a violent storm and an attempt on her life she comes face to face with...herself!! Not who she is now but a different Iris who has walked a different path and made alternative choices.
I loved the Sliding Doors element to this story and although it has moments of abuse and fear there is beauty and magic as well.
Highly recommend.
I loved the Sliding Doors element to this story and although it has moments of abuse and fear there is beauty and magic as well.
Highly recommend.
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July 9, 2021I honestly don't know how to rate this book. Did I love it or hate it? Did I hate it but appreciate its greatness? I can't say. Until near the end, I would have said I was fascinated by how the author chose to portray Iris facing up to her demons and reconciling with her past. It was innovative and engaging.
Iris is escaping an abusive relationship and I have to admit to very rarely reading about lesbian intimate partner violence in fiction. It doesn't seem to be explored very often but I think the author handled it sensitively and in a way that challenged the stereotypes of abuse that many of us hold. Iris escapes to a hiker's hut in the middle of nowhere in an attempt to let nature heal her past. She's forced into a reckoning with the choices she's made and those made by other people in her life and her life literally depends on finding some semblance of forgiveness for herself.
If this had been all, then I would have appreciated how powerful Iris's narrative was and the skill of the author. However, Iris is an unreliable narrator and she's hiding a secret.
Iris is escaping an abusive relationship and I have to admit to very rarely reading about lesbian intimate partner violence in fiction. It doesn't seem to be explored very often but I think the author handled it sensitively and in a way that challenged the stereotypes of abuse that many of us hold. Iris escapes to a hiker's hut in the middle of nowhere in an attempt to let nature heal her past. She's forced into a reckoning with the choices she's made and those made by other people in her life and her life literally depends on finding some semblance of forgiveness for herself.
If this had been all, then I would have appreciated how powerful Iris's narrative was and the skill of the author. However, Iris is an unreliable narrator and she's hiding a secret.
December 19, 2022
While thought-provoking in many ways, I loathed the main character, Iris. One of the first things we learn about her is that she keeps trying to meet another woman (who she longs for purely based on physical attraction - she doesn't know her name or anything about her) behind her girlfriend's back, tells her girlfriend to move in with her AFTER lying about giving her number to said woman, and then CHEATS ON HER FOR SIX WEEKS before finally confessing to her and dumping her the day she moves into the new girlfriend's apartment. Would we be okay with a male protagonist doing the same to his significant other??
I mean, maybe we're not supposed to like her. As a kid/teen, she brushes off her lonely father and as an adult, is a reckless alcoholic/drinker. She shows up to her wife's extremely important work gathering, drinks herself into a stupor, and says extremely rude (like, career-ending) things to her wife's colleagues and boss. I was getting upset by her behavior as I was reading the book, and although it obviously it didn't warrant the vicious slap she gets for it the next morning, I still couldn't ever get myself to like her. Instead, I just thought both she and her wife were horrible people, with the wife being much worse until .
The writing was fine and the premise was interesting (for a moment, I thought it was going to end up being a horror novel when she looked up and the stars were all wrong) so I think 2 stars is an adequate rating for this book - per GR, "it was ok". (Disclaimer: If it makes a difference, I didn't know what this book was about before buying it, I just assumed it would fit a specific prompt I needed)
*2022 Popsugar Reading Challenge*
Prompt #5: A sapphic book (hoping it counts even though it's not a romance)
I mean, maybe we're not supposed to like her. As a kid/teen, she brushes off her lonely father and as an adult, is a reckless alcoholic/drinker. She shows up to her wife's extremely important work gathering, drinks herself into a stupor, and says extremely rude (like, career-ending) things to her wife's colleagues and boss. I was getting upset by her behavior as I was reading the book, and although it obviously it didn't warrant the vicious slap she gets for it the next morning, I still couldn't ever get myself to like her. Instead, I just thought both she and her wife were horrible people, with the wife being much worse until .
The writing was fine and the premise was interesting (for a moment, I thought it was going to end up being a horror novel when she looked up and the stars were all wrong) so I think 2 stars is an adequate rating for this book - per GR, "it was ok". (Disclaimer: If it makes a difference, I didn't know what this book was about before buying it, I just assumed it would fit a specific prompt I needed)
*2022 Popsugar Reading Challenge*
Prompt #5: A sapphic book (hoping it counts even though it's not a romance)
October 11, 2021
I would give this more stars if I could, I absolutely loved it and am feeling slightly bereft to have finished it. The characters were so real and so flawed, my heart aches for them.
Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to read everything Beth Lewis has ever written.
Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to read everything Beth Lewis has ever written.
June 11, 2021
Plagued by her bad life choices, Iris escapes to the Catskill Mountains from New York's Upper East Side. Its here that she meets Other Iris, a happier more successful version of herself who has made better life choices. Think "Sliding Doors" and you've gotten the gist of this new book by Beth Lewis.
Irish is wracked with guilt after her father commits suicide when she is just 16 years old. She moves to New York where she falls in love with the enigmatic Claude. Claude controls every aspects of Iris's life from her clothes and make up to her job and friends. Her coercive control gradually develops into physical abuse. Iris, lives in fear of her life, and unable to face any more, escapes to the isolated mountains, a place her father also loved.
This novel is in a split narrative format with alternating chapters on the Iris-Claude back story. and present day Iris trying to survive in her abandoned mountain cabin. As Iris faces the demons of her past, is she slowly losing her mind or is she truly discovering who she really is for the first time in her life? I really enjoyed the chapters set in New York and the disintegration of the Iris-Claude dynamic was both gripping and unsettling. The book goes a bit "magic realism" in the middle with the blurring of lines between fantasy and reality. I'm not a fan of this genre myself but I know others will love this type of twist. Overall this was a good weekend read.
Many thanks to @netgalley and @hodderbooks for this e-book in return for my honest review.
Irish is wracked with guilt after her father commits suicide when she is just 16 years old. She moves to New York where she falls in love with the enigmatic Claude. Claude controls every aspects of Iris's life from her clothes and make up to her job and friends. Her coercive control gradually develops into physical abuse. Iris, lives in fear of her life, and unable to face any more, escapes to the isolated mountains, a place her father also loved.
This novel is in a split narrative format with alternating chapters on the Iris-Claude back story. and present day Iris trying to survive in her abandoned mountain cabin. As Iris faces the demons of her past, is she slowly losing her mind or is she truly discovering who she really is for the first time in her life? I really enjoyed the chapters set in New York and the disintegration of the Iris-Claude dynamic was both gripping and unsettling. The book goes a bit "magic realism" in the middle with the blurring of lines between fantasy and reality. I'm not a fan of this genre myself but I know others will love this type of twist. Overall this was a good weekend read.
Many thanks to @netgalley and @hodderbooks for this e-book in return for my honest review.
October 21, 2021
This book follows Iris on her path of self discovery as she seeks freedom from an abusive relationship. The prose and subjects discussed are haunting and eloquent. Content warnings for suicide, abuse, language and violence. This is not a pretty read, but it is still beautiful in its own way. The writing style is done in such a way that the reader is able to clearly step into Iris' world to see and feel what she does. The book for me was a read it slow and digest kind of a book, not the kind to devour in one sitting. As the subject matter was more substantial and I needed the time to process what I was reading. Take your time with this one.
June 22, 2021
An interesting premise and an at-times gripping depiction of violence in a queer relationship -- but the SLIDING DOORS aspect rang hollow to me. I wanted more from that than I got, or to've read a straightforward novel about Iris and Claude's relationship.
August 20, 2021
Beautiful Writing, Beautiful Story
Honestly, one of my all-time favourite authors at this point. Lewis is an automatic buy/read for me. I love her writing.
Honestly, one of my all-time favourite authors at this point. Lewis is an automatic buy/read for me. I love her writing.
August 30, 2024
This book was very far out of my comfort zone. Not just was it a genre /type of book I don't really read (I'm a fantasy/ya/murder mystery kind of reader)
But also it left me very uncomfortable for most of the book. Which is a credit to the author. You shouldn't read a book about domestic violence and feel warm and fuzzy now should you? But because of this, it's a struggle for me to say how I felt. Because usually I love a book, or it bores me. This is neither. I was intrigued, in a "I wanted to look away but couldn't" and it was painful and Id read it but id want to put it down but needed to keep reading kind of way.
Do people who read this type of book often actually enjoy it?
I digress. This was interesting. It was an interesting concept and well executed. I've always been interested in the sliding doors stories. What could your life have been if you'd made a different choice? And I liked that it wasn't miserable Iris against super happy iris. I felt she handled the DV well. The build up to it, the small things, the mental abuse. And showing it as woman on woman and how there was an extra layer of denial /shame because people wouldn't believe her as it was another woman was important.
Iris was an interesting,flawed character...but wow did the author do a great job of making me hate Claude.
I wasn't a fan of the ending, I get it, but it left me unsatisfied. After this tense, uncomfortable read I needed a more hopeful ending .
Below are spoilers . Do not read on if you don't want it to be spoiled
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The ending. My god. I needed her to walk away home Claude . I can't even have it as a tiny option they went back to each other. I know it might happen in real people's lives, I know Claude might be getting therapy but no . Just no. It left me mad.
Especially with the reveal towards the end of what iris did to Claude. I felt this was out of character. I understand her being pushed past her limits, and if she lashed out, fine but what she did ...and how Claude didn't fight it also semeed out of character...then for it to be , forgiven ...no. left tme feeling even worse.
This was the final huge nail in their coffin. You can't go back after that .
But also it left me very uncomfortable for most of the book. Which is a credit to the author. You shouldn't read a book about domestic violence and feel warm and fuzzy now should you? But because of this, it's a struggle for me to say how I felt. Because usually I love a book, or it bores me. This is neither. I was intrigued, in a "I wanted to look away but couldn't" and it was painful and Id read it but id want to put it down but needed to keep reading kind of way.
Do people who read this type of book often actually enjoy it?
I digress. This was interesting. It was an interesting concept and well executed. I've always been interested in the sliding doors stories. What could your life have been if you'd made a different choice? And I liked that it wasn't miserable Iris against super happy iris. I felt she handled the DV well. The build up to it, the small things, the mental abuse. And showing it as woman on woman and how there was an extra layer of denial /shame because people wouldn't believe her as it was another woman was important.
Iris was an interesting,flawed character...but wow did the author do a great job of making me hate Claude.
I wasn't a fan of the ending, I get it, but it left me unsatisfied. After this tense, uncomfortable read I needed a more hopeful ending .
Below are spoilers . Do not read on if you don't want it to be spoiled
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The ending. My god. I needed her to walk away home Claude . I can't even have it as a tiny option they went back to each other. I know it might happen in real people's lives, I know Claude might be getting therapy but no . Just no. It left me mad.
Especially with the reveal towards the end of what iris did to Claude. I felt this was out of character. I understand her being pushed past her limits, and if she lashed out, fine but what she did ...and how Claude didn't fight it also semeed out of character...then for it to be , forgiven ...no. left tme feeling even worse.
This was the final huge nail in their coffin. You can't go back after that .
December 3, 2021
This is a really good book, with an intriguing fantasy element to deal with real world issues, but oh my god, all the trigger warnings. Heed the word "abusive" in the summary because it's there for a reason. I want to say the book is worth the risk, but it's definitely a subjective thing. Maybe one to avoid if you're worried about a very, very toxic relationship.
October 19, 2023
fucking hell this book is so well written
March 1, 2025
What in the toxic hell was this?!
August 22, 2021
Check out this review and more on my blog, Maya’s Reviews.
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Thank you to Hodder Studio and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
All quotes are taken from The Origins of Iris by Beth Lewis.
// Content warnings: suicide, abuse (emotional and physical), sexual assault, insanity, language, homophobia, misogyny, and violence //
Trigger warnings and spoilers are marked.
---
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5 Stars
Writing: 5/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
---
// Quick Review //
There is so much to say about this heavy and realistic novel that deals with topics uncommonly talked about. It is one of my favorite novels because of it’s ability to convey deep, heavy, and horrific topics in a way that is bearable and yet truthful.
---
---
// Other Information //
Publisher: Hodder Studio
Page Count: 336 pages
Release Date: August 19, 2021
Series: None
Genre: Fiction, Adult, LGBTQ+, Thriller
---
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Author of the critically-acclaimed debut The Wolf Road, Beth Lewis returns with her brand new novel The Origins of Iris where Wild meets Sliding Doors.
‘I opened my eyes and the woman wearing my face opened hers at the same time.’
Iris flees New York City, and her abusive wife Claude, for the Catskill Mountains. When she was a child, Iris and her father found solace in the beauty and wilderness of the forest; now, years later, Iris has returned for time and space to clear her head, and to come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here. But what Iris doesn’t expect in her journey of survival and self-discovery is to find herself – literally.
Trapped in a neglected cabin deep in the mountains, Iris is grudgingly forced to come face to face with a seemingly prettier, happier and better version of herself. Other Iris made different choices in life and love. But is she all she seems? Can she be trusted? What is she hiding?
As a storm encroaches, threatening both their lives, time is running out for them to discover why they have been brought together, and what it means for their futures.
An important, searing novel about one woman’s journey in fleeing an abusive relationship and confronting the secrets of her past.
---
// Characters //
Lewis’ characters are flawed, but in that way they are human. The novel follows the journey of Iris/Jane to the center of her discourse; her grief, guilt, scars, past and future. Iris is married to Claude, her abuser and wife; her love and her pain. As I mentioned, all of the characters are flawed and most horrible people, including Iris. *TRIGGER WARNING AND SPOILER*
For a large portion of the novel, Iris is alone in the woods where she has escaped to discover happiness and what she has been missing from life since meeting Claude. This allows the reader to slowly descend in Iris’ “madness” with her. The way the novel is written helps the reader become ingrained into the story as a spectator, a fly on the wall.
---
---
// Writing and Setting //
The thing that makes The Origins of Iris so unique is the way that the novel presents issues like abuse within LGBTQ+ marriages. I have never before read a novel or seen a show/movie where this topic is discussed. It is a very real issue and I’m so glad that this novel handles it so well.
The novel flashes back and forth between ‘Before’ and ‘After’. ‘Before’ her and Claude’s relationship reaches its peak, and ‘After’.
Iris’ world is heavy and dark, full of pain, abuse, grief, and guilt. The atmosphere of the novel is super heavy, sucking the reader into the black hole that is Iris’ situation.
I think what really makes this novel a masterpiece is it’s openness. And the ending, I must say, is brilliant. The way it is left open for the reader to interpret Iris’ future is a great decision on the author’s part.
---
---
// Plot //
The Origins of Iris is obviously a heavy novel. And the journey through this heaviness is fairly paced. I definitely see how the novel could appear slow to some, as Iris is alone for all of the ‘After’ chapters.
Iris ventures to the woods where she used to come with her father, who she had a difficult relationship with. Not only is she trying to deal with her and Claude’s relationship and her guilt over her father’s suicide, but she is also trying to find herself.
*SPOILER*
---
---
// Overall Review //
I firmly believe that The Origins of Iris is a novel everyone should read. It is twisted, dark, horrifying, yet a prime example of the atrocities of humankind.
---
FOLLOW ME: Twitter || TikTok || Tumblr || BookBub || BookSiren || Anchor || YouTube || Spotify || Google Podcasts || Apple Podcasts
---
Thank you to Hodder Studio and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
All quotes are taken from The Origins of Iris by Beth Lewis.
// Content warnings: suicide, abuse (emotional and physical), sexual assault, insanity, language, homophobia, misogyny, and violence //
Trigger warnings and spoilers are marked.
---
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5 Stars
Writing: 5/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
---
// Quick Review //
There is so much to say about this heavy and realistic novel that deals with topics uncommonly talked about. It is one of my favorite novels because of it’s ability to convey deep, heavy, and horrific topics in a way that is bearable and yet truthful.
---
"They say love is blind. Blind to white lies and small failings. Blind to pain. Blind to cruelty. They are right. I was blind to it all."
---
// Other Information //
Publisher: Hodder Studio
Page Count: 336 pages
Release Date: August 19, 2021
Series: None
Genre: Fiction, Adult, LGBTQ+, Thriller
---
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Author of the critically-acclaimed debut The Wolf Road, Beth Lewis returns with her brand new novel The Origins of Iris where Wild meets Sliding Doors.
‘I opened my eyes and the woman wearing my face opened hers at the same time.’
Iris flees New York City, and her abusive wife Claude, for the Catskill Mountains. When she was a child, Iris and her father found solace in the beauty and wilderness of the forest; now, years later, Iris has returned for time and space to clear her head, and to come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here. But what Iris doesn’t expect in her journey of survival and self-discovery is to find herself – literally.
Trapped in a neglected cabin deep in the mountains, Iris is grudgingly forced to come face to face with a seemingly prettier, happier and better version of herself. Other Iris made different choices in life and love. But is she all she seems? Can she be trusted? What is she hiding?
As a storm encroaches, threatening both their lives, time is running out for them to discover why they have been brought together, and what it means for their futures.
An important, searing novel about one woman’s journey in fleeing an abusive relationship and confronting the secrets of her past.
---
// Characters //
Lewis’ characters are flawed, but in that way they are human. The novel follows the journey of Iris/Jane to the center of her discourse; her grief, guilt, scars, past and future. Iris is married to Claude, her abuser and wife; her love and her pain. As I mentioned, all of the characters are flawed and most horrible people, including Iris. *TRIGGER WARNING AND SPOILER*
For a large portion of the novel, Iris is alone in the woods where she has escaped to discover happiness and what she has been missing from life since meeting Claude. This allows the reader to slowly descend in Iris’ “madness” with her. The way the novel is written helps the reader become ingrained into the story as a spectator, a fly on the wall.
---
"I had broken my life. Snapped it clean in two. Into a then and now, a before and after. All because I’d loved the wrong woman."
---
// Writing and Setting //
The thing that makes The Origins of Iris so unique is the way that the novel presents issues like abuse within LGBTQ+ marriages. I have never before read a novel or seen a show/movie where this topic is discussed. It is a very real issue and I’m so glad that this novel handles it so well.
The novel flashes back and forth between ‘Before’ and ‘After’. ‘Before’ her and Claude’s relationship reaches its peak, and ‘After’.
Iris’ world is heavy and dark, full of pain, abuse, grief, and guilt. The atmosphere of the novel is super heavy, sucking the reader into the black hole that is Iris’ situation.
I think what really makes this novel a masterpiece is it’s openness. And the ending, I must say, is brilliant. The way it is left open for the reader to interpret Iris’ future is a great decision on the author’s part.
---
"I wanted out. Wanted oblivion and quiet darkness. wanted an end to the pain and guilt and fear. My life had been so full of fear and sadness for so long."
---
// Plot //
The Origins of Iris is obviously a heavy novel. And the journey through this heaviness is fairly paced. I definitely see how the novel could appear slow to some, as Iris is alone for all of the ‘After’ chapters.
Iris ventures to the woods where she used to come with her father, who she had a difficult relationship with. Not only is she trying to deal with her and Claude’s relationship and her guilt over her father’s suicide, but she is also trying to find herself.
*SPOILER*
---
"I could end it all right now. I should. But then she’d win. And no one will ever know what she did."
---
// Overall Review //
I firmly believe that The Origins of Iris is a novel everyone should read. It is twisted, dark, horrifying, yet a prime example of the atrocities of humankind.
---
FOLLOW ME: Twitter || TikTok || Tumblr || BookBub || BookSiren || Anchor || YouTube || Spotify || Google Podcasts || Apple Podcasts
August 29, 2021
Unsure about this rating. On the one hand the novel is very good, and VERY well told. And it has magical realism!! On the other, I wasn’t really interested in the marriage, dysfunctional or otherwise. That story, I would be hard pressed to finish. I may lower the rating. Or not. To be honest I’m probably just disappointed with myself for liking it less than I thought I would.
August 8, 2021
A heartbreaking novel about finding yourself when all seems lost. It’s a journey of discovery, of exploration, and ultimately, about forgiving yourself.
I enjoyed the “before” and “after” format – it clearly showed character development and growth which was intense and filled with depth.
The novel poignantly explores how identity is slowly lost when in an abusive relationship and how we punish ourselves for events beyond our control.
It became easier throughout the novel to empathise with Iris – as you follow her journey from her traumatic adolescence, through her abusive marriage and finally to her breakdown and resurgence, you walk away feeling empowered and filled with strength.
The writing style is beautifully poetic, and I enjoyed Ms. Lewis’s captivating and endearing descriptions.
#netgalley #theoriginsofiris #bethlewis #hodder&stoughton
I enjoyed the “before” and “after” format – it clearly showed character development and growth which was intense and filled with depth.
The novel poignantly explores how identity is slowly lost when in an abusive relationship and how we punish ourselves for events beyond our control.
It became easier throughout the novel to empathise with Iris – as you follow her journey from her traumatic adolescence, through her abusive marriage and finally to her breakdown and resurgence, you walk away feeling empowered and filled with strength.
The writing style is beautifully poetic, and I enjoyed Ms. Lewis’s captivating and endearing descriptions.
#netgalley #theoriginsofiris #bethlewis #hodder&stoughton
July 26, 2022
This really dragged on and on for me at some points. From the jacket blurb I was not prepared for half of the book to deal with the abuse Iris suffered. I usually like when books shift back and forth through time but this one really didn’t work for me. I would have not finished if I’d had to read through 150 pages of abuse storyline all up front so I guess by interspersing it every other chapter the author at least got me to finish the book. Iris was also not super likable for me, especially by the end. Finally and a more picky point, it was odd to have an American born and raised character use the metric system and call flashlights torches. I understand that the author is from the UK, but this feels like a failure in attention to detail in developing a character.
October 1, 2021
I just didn't like it. The writing was fine except that a book set in the US kept using the metric system and some british spelling which was weird. I liked the character of Iris and I cared about her but the parallel universes plot line just didn't develop well for me and I was really disappointed in the ending. After all of her work on growth and forgiveness and closure Iris just walked out on everyone including the reader without saying goodbye or saying where she was going so she was right back to where she started basically? Maybe that is more realistic but I don't think it fit what was being set up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2021
I was very excited when I read that Beth Lewis had a new book coming,and so very pleased to read it in advance.
Having read her two previous books,I really wasnt sure what we would get.
What we got was Iris,running away from her marriage,and trailing clues behind her as to why.
The whole thing builds up to such a climax,that I was left slightly open mouthed as I hadnt expected it to go that way at all.
I really liked Iris,and she tugged on my heart strings bearing her emotions quite a few times.
Another fantastic book from Lewis.
Having read her two previous books,I really wasnt sure what we would get.
What we got was Iris,running away from her marriage,and trailing clues behind her as to why.
The whole thing builds up to such a climax,that I was left slightly open mouthed as I hadnt expected it to go that way at all.
I really liked Iris,and she tugged on my heart strings bearing her emotions quite a few times.
Another fantastic book from Lewis.
September 6, 2021
Another great story
I read Beth Lewis' first book "Wolf Road" as soon as it came out. While some didn't care for the violence of the story, I didn't think it was unbelievable and found it a unique and intriguing story. This one was even better. It was gripping, right from the first pages, I read it in a weekend, couldn't put it down, and fully understood the main character and what she'd been through. The decision she makes at the end? I know what I'd choose and I believe she did as well. Excellent.
I read Beth Lewis' first book "Wolf Road" as soon as it came out. While some didn't care for the violence of the story, I didn't think it was unbelievable and found it a unique and intriguing story. This one was even better. It was gripping, right from the first pages, I read it in a weekend, couldn't put it down, and fully understood the main character and what she'd been through. The decision she makes at the end? I know what I'd choose and I believe she did as well. Excellent.
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