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The Eye of the Beholder
LONGLISTED FOR THE SA SUNDAY TIMES FICTION AWARD
When danger lies in the eye of the beholder, what happens when you reject its pull?
Cora carries secrets her daughter can’t know.
Freya is frightened by what her mother leaves unsaid.
Angel will only bury the past if it means putting her abusers into the ground.
One act of violence sets the three women on a collision course, each desperate to find the truth. In a nail-biting thriller set between the scorched red soil of South Africa, the pitiless snowfields of Canada and the chilly lochsides of western Scotland, each woman must contend with the spectres of male violence, sexual abuse and the choices we each make to keep our souls.
When danger lies in the eye of the beholder, what happens when you reject its pull?
Cora carries secrets her daughter can’t know.
Freya is frightened by what her mother leaves unsaid.
Angel will only bury the past if it means putting her abusers into the ground.
One act of violence sets the three women on a collision course, each desperate to find the truth. In a nail-biting thriller set between the scorched red soil of South Africa, the pitiless snowfields of Canada and the chilly lochsides of western Scotland, each woman must contend with the spectres of male violence, sexual abuse and the choices we each make to keep our souls.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2022
11 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Margie Orford
24 books51 followersMargie Orford is a journalist, film director and author of children’s fiction, non-fiction and school text books.
She was born in London and grew up in Namibia and South Africa, studying at UCT where she wrote her final exams in prison while detained during the State of Emergency. After travelling widely, she did an honours degree at UCT, then worked in publishing in the newly-independent Namibia, where she became involved in training through the African Publishers Network.
In 1999 she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and while in New York, worked on an archival retrieval project, Women Writing in Africa: The Southern Volume. She made her crime debut with Like Clockwork, which became a bestseller and was followed by a sequel, Blood Rose. Both crime novels will be published in Germany. A recent non-fiction project is Fabulously 40 and Beyond : Women coming into their own; her latest is Fifteen Men.
She was born in London and grew up in Namibia and South Africa, studying at UCT where she wrote her final exams in prison while detained during the State of Emergency. After travelling widely, she did an honours degree at UCT, then worked in publishing in the newly-independent Namibia, where she became involved in training through the African Publishers Network.
In 1999 she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and while in New York, worked on an archival retrieval project, Women Writing in Africa: The Southern Volume. She made her crime debut with Like Clockwork, which became a bestseller and was followed by a sequel, Blood Rose. Both crime novels will be published in Germany. A recent non-fiction project is Fabulously 40 and Beyond : Women coming into their own; her latest is Fifteen Men.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 25, 2023
First book of 2023 and it was a good one! *pr product sent to me by Canongate for their January readalong*
The idea of this book was one that sounded really interesting to me, with three women on their own (slightly similar) journeys that cross paths, all dealing with forms male violence, sexual abuse and misogyny.
I loved how this ended up mixing with the art world, questioning where the line of a controversial subject ends before it crosses over into dangerous territory.
All women were strong in their own ways, yet were all flawed. I wouldn’t say they were all completely relatable, but there were certainly moments when I really connected with parts of their stories.
This was also super easy to read, it was hard to actually keep to the slotted dates of this readalong as I just wanted to keep reading!
TW: Animal death, blood, child abuse, death/death of a parent, domestic, emotional and sexual abuse, eating disorders, grief, medical content, misogyny, murder, pregnancy, self harm, suicidal thoughts
The idea of this book was one that sounded really interesting to me, with three women on their own (slightly similar) journeys that cross paths, all dealing with forms male violence, sexual abuse and misogyny.
I loved how this ended up mixing with the art world, questioning where the line of a controversial subject ends before it crosses over into dangerous territory.
All women were strong in their own ways, yet were all flawed. I wouldn’t say they were all completely relatable, but there were certainly moments when I really connected with parts of their stories.
This was also super easy to read, it was hard to actually keep to the slotted dates of this readalong as I just wanted to keep reading!
TW: Animal death, blood, child abuse, death/death of a parent, domestic, emotional and sexual abuse, eating disorders, grief, medical content, misogyny, murder, pregnancy, self harm, suicidal thoughts
June 7, 2022
After reading the blurb I really wanted to enjoy this book more but for me it was too busy and often became disjointed. I understand that the the flash backs were an integral part of the story but why so many and so repetitive. A predictable read, dark in places but unfortunately did not hold my attention. Saying that I am sure other readers will enjoy it more just not for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
October 17, 2022
'𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧.' 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝙜𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙢. '𝙒𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙪𝙨.'
The Eye of the Beholder is more than a thriller, there's an emotional depth to the story. Three women, traumatic events in their past and a connection that allows their paths to cross. Meet Cora, Freya and Angel. Cora is an artist, Freya explores her mother's art and tries to understand the meaning of them and what is says about her. Angel is a volunteer at a wolf sanctuary. There are more than wolves prowling these woods, some of them aren't wild and furry, they appear charming and caring but aren't scared to go in for the kill.
I did not expect this book to be this good. This is the first book I've read by the author and I liked the writing style and pace. Told from three POV's, the reader is introduced to different layers of the story and gets to know each character. Flashbacks allow the reader to understand the characters and their behaviour. The first few chapters start with a mystery and immediately set the atmosphere of the story.
Cora's artwork had a huge impact on Freya's life and the artwork is one of the main focus points in the story. The suspense builds and it's unclear where the story is going, theories are formed but are then proven wrong. I didn't like Yves Fornier and Jeb, both of those characters had red flags. A major plot twist happens and things start falling into place. An element of revenge is present and the reader can feel something is brewing under the surface. I did not expect this book to be so emotional, some of the scenes were intense. That ending had me speechless, I needed a day to process it and am still in shock.
If you're a fan of thrillers or psychological thrillers, this book should be on your TBR.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the gifted copy and for having me on the readalong.
The Eye of the Beholder is more than a thriller, there's an emotional depth to the story. Three women, traumatic events in their past and a connection that allows their paths to cross. Meet Cora, Freya and Angel. Cora is an artist, Freya explores her mother's art and tries to understand the meaning of them and what is says about her. Angel is a volunteer at a wolf sanctuary. There are more than wolves prowling these woods, some of them aren't wild and furry, they appear charming and caring but aren't scared to go in for the kill.
I did not expect this book to be this good. This is the first book I've read by the author and I liked the writing style and pace. Told from three POV's, the reader is introduced to different layers of the story and gets to know each character. Flashbacks allow the reader to understand the characters and their behaviour. The first few chapters start with a mystery and immediately set the atmosphere of the story.
Cora's artwork had a huge impact on Freya's life and the artwork is one of the main focus points in the story. The suspense builds and it's unclear where the story is going, theories are formed but are then proven wrong. I didn't like Yves Fornier and Jeb, both of those characters had red flags. A major plot twist happens and things start falling into place. An element of revenge is present and the reader can feel something is brewing under the surface. I did not expect this book to be so emotional, some of the scenes were intense. That ending had me speechless, I needed a day to process it and am still in shock.
If you're a fan of thrillers or psychological thrillers, this book should be on your TBR.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the gifted copy and for having me on the readalong.
July 4, 2022
Readers have had to wait almost a decade for a new novel from Orford, who earned a reputation as the South African Queen of Crime with her excellent Cape Town-set series starring journo and police profiler Clare Hart. With The Eye of the Beholder, Orford delivers something different in terms of setting and characters, while confronting some of the same tough issues (eg violence against women and children) as her series..
Cora Berger is a renowned painter living in Scotland who tries to turn trauma into art, whether capturing the stories of women who’ve survived war crimes, or her own troubled childhood in rural South Africa. But her fame recently turned to infamy thanks to her ‘Forbidden Fruit’ exhibition, which sparked a media and public furore and had police questioning Cora’s adult daughter Freya. Has Cora’s often-edgy art crossed a dangerous line? Meanwhile, a young woman named Angel cares for wolves in a snowy wilderness while trying to bury her past. When art dealer Yves Fournier disappears from his cabin, Angel is determined to find him. Cora, Freya, Angel, and Yves all have secrets, and as their lives entwine and collide, the consequences could be deadly.
Orford masterfully spins a chilling tale that takes readers into some uncomfortable, confronting areas, including child abuse and online pornography. As she did with her Clare Hart series, Orford centres her female characters and deeply explores real-life fears and salient issues such as abuse endured by women and children and its poisonous impact that lingers far beyond the violent act itself. Orford is fearless in her storytelling, which given the content won’t be for every reader, but is very, very good.
Cora Berger is a renowned painter living in Scotland who tries to turn trauma into art, whether capturing the stories of women who’ve survived war crimes, or her own troubled childhood in rural South Africa. But her fame recently turned to infamy thanks to her ‘Forbidden Fruit’ exhibition, which sparked a media and public furore and had police questioning Cora’s adult daughter Freya. Has Cora’s often-edgy art crossed a dangerous line? Meanwhile, a young woman named Angel cares for wolves in a snowy wilderness while trying to bury her past. When art dealer Yves Fournier disappears from his cabin, Angel is determined to find him. Cora, Freya, Angel, and Yves all have secrets, and as their lives entwine and collide, the consequences could be deadly.
Orford masterfully spins a chilling tale that takes readers into some uncomfortable, confronting areas, including child abuse and online pornography. As she did with her Clare Hart series, Orford centres her female characters and deeply explores real-life fears and salient issues such as abuse endured by women and children and its poisonous impact that lingers far beyond the violent act itself. Orford is fearless in her storytelling, which given the content won’t be for every reader, but is very, very good.
January 24, 2023
Two survivors of historical abuse become linked by one man and the art world.
I was intrigued by this book after seeing it around, then jumped at the chance to read it as part of the monthly Canongate readalong.
It’s a disturbing look at how abuse shapes survivors and affects their lives for years to come, and it is gripping but does come with many content warnings! It is not for the faint of heart but it’s an important story that will stay with you long after reading.
Set across Canada, Scotland and South Africa, the landscapes are desolate and unforgiving in different ways, but all are the perfect backdrop for the events that unfold. I thought it was quite cinematic in style, and would easily translate to a big screen adaptation.
I really liked hearing from both Angel and Cora, and my heart broke for them as they recounted their past traumas. Both of their situations were horrific, although I felt that more was being insinuated with Cora’s background but never explicitly said. As a female it made me angry that men are able to subject violence so easily on girls and women, and I really wanted the men in the story to get their comeuppance.
I won’t give away what happens BUT I LOVED the ending 🙌 and wolves are my fave 🐺 I’d definitely recommend it, especially as a winter read, but do check out the content warnings first as there’s some heavy stuff in this one. Thank you to Canongate for my copy
I was intrigued by this book after seeing it around, then jumped at the chance to read it as part of the monthly Canongate readalong.
It’s a disturbing look at how abuse shapes survivors and affects their lives for years to come, and it is gripping but does come with many content warnings! It is not for the faint of heart but it’s an important story that will stay with you long after reading.
Set across Canada, Scotland and South Africa, the landscapes are desolate and unforgiving in different ways, but all are the perfect backdrop for the events that unfold. I thought it was quite cinematic in style, and would easily translate to a big screen adaptation.
I really liked hearing from both Angel and Cora, and my heart broke for them as they recounted their past traumas. Both of their situations were horrific, although I felt that more was being insinuated with Cora’s background but never explicitly said. As a female it made me angry that men are able to subject violence so easily on girls and women, and I really wanted the men in the story to get their comeuppance.
I won’t give away what happens BUT I LOVED the ending 🙌 and wolves are my fave 🐺 I’d definitely recommend it, especially as a winter read, but do check out the content warnings first as there’s some heavy stuff in this one. Thank you to Canongate for my copy
August 4, 2022
This was totally different to what I was expecting. A really dark story with strong female characters, but I didn't connect with any of them and also found the mother and daughter quite irritating. I'm also not a huge fan of flashbacks which happened fairly regularly in this read. However, the exploration of each characters trauma was done very well and although not an easy read, a quick read that perhaps needs more fleshing out regarding the main characters.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Thank you to Netgalley, Canongate Books and the author.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Thank you to Netgalley, Canongate Books and the author.
October 14, 2022
Thank you Jonathan Ball Publishers for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the readalong and for gifting me with a copy of this book.
Full review coming soon!
Full review coming soon!
October 2, 2022
Eye of the Beholder
Margie Orford
Published by Jonathan Ball
What a pleasure to see a new release by Margie Orford. ‘. Eye of the Beholder’ is her first crime thriller since 2013 and with it she retains her title of Queen of South African Crime Fiction. Probably best known for her Clare Hart series, this new standalone crime thriller introduces us to three female protagonists in a powerful, evocative story that could be termed as a revenge thriller. At its heart is trauma, gender based violence and justice – which of course is the big elephant in the room. It is riveting but disquieting, it is a book you will want to read in one sitting and its characters will haunt you. It’s about women in dark places…chilling and somewhat complex…curling like a snake around your heart!
Orford has a major interest in trauma and feminism and as a journalist and activist has written and researched this subject thoroughly. It is these complex subjects that she explores in the relationships and connections between the three women in the story, and the man who disappears.
A psychological drama starts unfolding from the very first page. Cora, the controversial artist and mother, whose scandalous exhibition is the catalyst for the chain of events that leads to the startling climax. As she escapes the remote cabin in the snow-drenched plains in Canada, her daughter Freya, also an artist living in London, knows her mother has secrets and is afraid of what may be behind them. Angel, working with a wolf rescue project in Canada, will only bury the past when she has put her abusers into the ground.
The subject of abuse, staying with the man who abuses you and how women are objectified are the central themes. There are many spoilers and I am not going to give any away but these three women are all recognisable. Their methods of dealing with their abusers are perhaps unconventional but when one reads of the depths that men will go to satiate their depravities, the control that they wield over their victims and the lack of justice when brought to trial (if ever), you be the judge.
Art and environment feature strongly as we move from Canada to London, back to South Africa, where Cora grew up and to the lochs of Scotland. Orford paints with her words, each brushstroke covering the past and as you scrape the top layer it reveals more than perhaps you want to know.
It flows like an urgent river, and brings us into the heart of the world that only recently has been rocked by the ‘#Metoo’ Campaign. Interestingly enough, when Orford was interviewed recently, she says the novel was only picked up after that campaign gained momentum. How glad I am for all readers. It is story of our time with its echoes of the past and present colliding as it does with the way women have been objectified down the centuries. This is a powerful book which has prompted Damian Barr to say: ‘Orford truly understands the transformative power of violence for those who survive it and those who visit it upon others. It gives her writing visceral power.’ I could not agree more. Highly recommended.
Margie Orford
Published by Jonathan Ball
What a pleasure to see a new release by Margie Orford. ‘. Eye of the Beholder’ is her first crime thriller since 2013 and with it she retains her title of Queen of South African Crime Fiction. Probably best known for her Clare Hart series, this new standalone crime thriller introduces us to three female protagonists in a powerful, evocative story that could be termed as a revenge thriller. At its heart is trauma, gender based violence and justice – which of course is the big elephant in the room. It is riveting but disquieting, it is a book you will want to read in one sitting and its characters will haunt you. It’s about women in dark places…chilling and somewhat complex…curling like a snake around your heart!
Orford has a major interest in trauma and feminism and as a journalist and activist has written and researched this subject thoroughly. It is these complex subjects that she explores in the relationships and connections between the three women in the story, and the man who disappears.
A psychological drama starts unfolding from the very first page. Cora, the controversial artist and mother, whose scandalous exhibition is the catalyst for the chain of events that leads to the startling climax. As she escapes the remote cabin in the snow-drenched plains in Canada, her daughter Freya, also an artist living in London, knows her mother has secrets and is afraid of what may be behind them. Angel, working with a wolf rescue project in Canada, will only bury the past when she has put her abusers into the ground.
The subject of abuse, staying with the man who abuses you and how women are objectified are the central themes. There are many spoilers and I am not going to give any away but these three women are all recognisable. Their methods of dealing with their abusers are perhaps unconventional but when one reads of the depths that men will go to satiate their depravities, the control that they wield over their victims and the lack of justice when brought to trial (if ever), you be the judge.
Art and environment feature strongly as we move from Canada to London, back to South Africa, where Cora grew up and to the lochs of Scotland. Orford paints with her words, each brushstroke covering the past and as you scrape the top layer it reveals more than perhaps you want to know.
It flows like an urgent river, and brings us into the heart of the world that only recently has been rocked by the ‘#Metoo’ Campaign. Interestingly enough, when Orford was interviewed recently, she says the novel was only picked up after that campaign gained momentum. How glad I am for all readers. It is story of our time with its echoes of the past and present colliding as it does with the way women have been objectified down the centuries. This is a powerful book which has prompted Damian Barr to say: ‘Orford truly understands the transformative power of violence for those who survive it and those who visit it upon others. It gives her writing visceral power.’ I could not agree more. Highly recommended.
July 13, 2022
An author I hadn’t previously heard of and I’m now wondering why? This is a very dark tale about three women, two of whom have been brutally abused, and their intent on handing out retribution to the perpetrators. A tale of secrets, relationships and revenge. A really well written and brilliantly crafted plotline this was addictive reading. Told from the perspective of the three women it’s a story that could be upsetting for some with themes of child abuse and pornography.
Briefly, Cora, an artist, is in Canada and the book opens with her running through the snow chased by a dog. The same dog is then brought, injured, to Angel, who lives on a wolf sanctuary, and she recognises the dog as belonging to art dealer Yves Fournier. Cora has a daughter Freya who living in London and trying to unravel her mothers past. The lives of the three women are destined to meet with potentially devastating consequences.
In a strongly emotional book, heart breaking to see the mental and physical hurt suffered by these women. There was an inevitable feel about how the story ends but I could not put it down. This writer doesn’t hold back and I could see how this wouldn’t be for everyone but for me … Wow. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Cora, an artist, is in Canada and the book opens with her running through the snow chased by a dog. The same dog is then brought, injured, to Angel, who lives on a wolf sanctuary, and she recognises the dog as belonging to art dealer Yves Fournier. Cora has a daughter Freya who living in London and trying to unravel her mothers past. The lives of the three women are destined to meet with potentially devastating consequences.
In a strongly emotional book, heart breaking to see the mental and physical hurt suffered by these women. There was an inevitable feel about how the story ends but I could not put it down. This writer doesn’t hold back and I could see how this wouldn’t be for everyone but for me … Wow. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 29, 2023
This book focuses on 3 women, Angel who is working with wolves in Canada, Cora - a renowned artist, and her daughter Freya.
I was intrigued by this book after seeing it was the January readalong book from Canongate, and jumped at the chance to read it. I am so glad I did - what is undoubtedly a heartbreaking and uncomfortable read in parts, is also a brilliant exploration of where the line is drawn when controversial imagery is portrayed as art, and the dangerous territory the artist is in, either as the victim or the willing. Also spotlighting how historic abuse shapes survivors, and how the experience affects their life choices for years to come - particularly in how they channel the ongoing trauma they live with. Cora & Angel both experienced abuse when they were children, and have both been connected in this book by Yves who is an influential figure in the art world.
I particularly loved the peaks and troughs in pace and control within the writing which really reflected each of the characters and the way they were feeling at any given point - plus I loved the artist angle with Cora; I come from an artistic background so I was excited to find it so well represented and described as a profession and skill within the book - especially when Cora was working on her latest piece.
Brilliant writing which is thought-provoking, but with the right balance of characterisation, suspense and atmosphere. This is definitely a book that will stay with you after reading. Thank you to Canongate for sending me a gifted copy of the book to read as part of this readalong.
I was intrigued by this book after seeing it was the January readalong book from Canongate, and jumped at the chance to read it. I am so glad I did - what is undoubtedly a heartbreaking and uncomfortable read in parts, is also a brilliant exploration of where the line is drawn when controversial imagery is portrayed as art, and the dangerous territory the artist is in, either as the victim or the willing. Also spotlighting how historic abuse shapes survivors, and how the experience affects their life choices for years to come - particularly in how they channel the ongoing trauma they live with. Cora & Angel both experienced abuse when they were children, and have both been connected in this book by Yves who is an influential figure in the art world.
I particularly loved the peaks and troughs in pace and control within the writing which really reflected each of the characters and the way they were feeling at any given point - plus I loved the artist angle with Cora; I come from an artistic background so I was excited to find it so well represented and described as a profession and skill within the book - especially when Cora was working on her latest piece.
Brilliant writing which is thought-provoking, but with the right balance of characterisation, suspense and atmosphere. This is definitely a book that will stay with you after reading. Thank you to Canongate for sending me a gifted copy of the book to read as part of this readalong.
July 20, 2022
Wow. This book was so different to what I expected. The synopsis gives away very little and it’s quite hard for me to review while also not sharing any spoilers but I’ll do my best.
Set between Scotland, Canada and South Africa this is a dark and atmospheric thriller detailing the lives of 3 women Cora, her daughter Freya and Angel. Going from the present time to flashbacks of the past detailing how they’ve ended up in their current situations and Freya’s discovery of photographs and cine-film giving her insight into her mothers past.
Angel and Cora are both trying to escape their pasts and the relationships that they’re refusing to let define them. These are strong women, they are survivors. I know that they’ve endured a lot but I wasn’t drawn to these characters, they weren’t people I’d like to get to know better. However, that is my only real criticism of the novel.
When Yves, an art dealer disappears, you’re questioning what has happened and who was responsible. There was no one I didn’t point the finger at while reading.
This is an emotional, dark novel, with a lot of trigger warnings that I hadn’t expected. It is beautifully written, especially when you consider the subject matter at the heart of it and it will stay with you a long time after finishing it.
Set between Scotland, Canada and South Africa this is a dark and atmospheric thriller detailing the lives of 3 women Cora, her daughter Freya and Angel. Going from the present time to flashbacks of the past detailing how they’ve ended up in their current situations and Freya’s discovery of photographs and cine-film giving her insight into her mothers past.
Angel and Cora are both trying to escape their pasts and the relationships that they’re refusing to let define them. These are strong women, they are survivors. I know that they’ve endured a lot but I wasn’t drawn to these characters, they weren’t people I’d like to get to know better. However, that is my only real criticism of the novel.
When Yves, an art dealer disappears, you’re questioning what has happened and who was responsible. There was no one I didn’t point the finger at while reading.
This is an emotional, dark novel, with a lot of trigger warnings that I hadn’t expected. It is beautifully written, especially when you consider the subject matter at the heart of it and it will stay with you a long time after finishing it.
June 5, 2022
The Eye of the Beholder is a dark revenge thriller about trauma, female identity and the male gaze. Although it was a quick read the action is relatively slow-burn, flicking backwards and forwards in time and between narrators. The characters do feel a little superficial at times, but Orford's exploration of misogyny and the different ways it can manifest is unrelentingly evocative.
A dark and thought-provoking read.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
A dark and thought-provoking read.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
October 7, 2022
The book has Orford’s bio upfront - where we learn that she was a patron of Rape Crisis when she lived in SA (she lives in the UK now). This is an enlightening detail because this story is about gender-based violence, trauma, abuse (and justice/revenge). All threads in the story lead from that time in a girl’s life - around 12 - when they become aware of how their bodies draw a man’s gaze. “She’s never imagined it until that moment,” says Cora. “And then it’s all she can imagine. She sees herself through the devouring eyes of another and she is lost to herself.”
The story reminded me, a little, or Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. But this one is written by a woman - a feminist activist. Frankly, it is the quality of Orford’s shimmering writing and the intelligent grappling with the issues rather than the (rather weak) plot lines that drew me in.
[Book club, Daisy. My first Orford. Great cover. Book design by Martine Barker]
The story reminded me, a little, or Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. But this one is written by a woman - a feminist activist. Frankly, it is the quality of Orford’s shimmering writing and the intelligent grappling with the issues rather than the (rather weak) plot lines that drew me in.
[Book club, Daisy. My first Orford. Great cover. Book design by Martine Barker]
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November 25, 2022I’m afraid I don’t see the need of this book. Obviously there is much bad out there that deserves to be punished with death but what are you looking to achieve by writing about it in a genre that as a reader I read to relax. Why put those images in my head?!
December 31, 2022
Brilliant! A book you can read in one sitting.
June 1, 2023
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked this book. Had never heard about the author and the promise of a violent story left me worried.
But I was surprised at how well Orford did it. It is filled with violence, with descriptions that were repulsive to me (how can men do these things?! and why?), but there is also Cora and Freya and Angel, each one brave on their own way, and it is worth it reading their story.
But I was surprised at how well Orford did it. It is filled with violence, with descriptions that were repulsive to me (how can men do these things?! and why?), but there is also Cora and Freya and Angel, each one brave on their own way, and it is worth it reading their story.
September 24, 2024
This was easy and enjoyable. A good summer beach read that had a couple of good twists and a fabulous finish. I would definitely recommend this as an easy, relaxing fun book that is worth your time.
October 15, 2022
Thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for gifting me a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Eye of the Beholder follows three women – Cora, her daughter Freya, and Angel, a woman who works at a wolf shelter. I won’t say too much about the plot since the synopsis is very vague, which I think adds to the sense of mystery. However, this book does deal with very heavy and difficult-to-read topics, so I would advise caution to sensitive readers.
The plot for this book is slow, but the author keeps the reader engaged by always giving just enough information to keep them reading, but not so much that they get bored. This book very much centers itself around the struggles that women face, but it takes an interesting approach by making each of these women vengeful.
The characters were very intriguing, and their morally grey personalities and actions make the reader question a lot of things, especially when it comes to right and wrong. After all, the things that these women do are often horrible – but at the same time, the things that were done to them were even worse.
The writing was good in the sense that it made me feel everything the characters went through. I felt heartbroken alongside them, and there were times when the writing was so vivid that it made me want to stop reading. It’s an uncomfortable book, but one that I think is very important.
Overall, this isn’t the type of book I would normally reach for. It is very far out of my comfort zone, and while I wouldn’t say that it was a pleasurable reading experience, I do think that it is a truly well-written book with a lot of value to it.
The Eye of the Beholder follows three women – Cora, her daughter Freya, and Angel, a woman who works at a wolf shelter. I won’t say too much about the plot since the synopsis is very vague, which I think adds to the sense of mystery. However, this book does deal with very heavy and difficult-to-read topics, so I would advise caution to sensitive readers.
The plot for this book is slow, but the author keeps the reader engaged by always giving just enough information to keep them reading, but not so much that they get bored. This book very much centers itself around the struggles that women face, but it takes an interesting approach by making each of these women vengeful.
The characters were very intriguing, and their morally grey personalities and actions make the reader question a lot of things, especially when it comes to right and wrong. After all, the things that these women do are often horrible – but at the same time, the things that were done to them were even worse.
The writing was good in the sense that it made me feel everything the characters went through. I felt heartbroken alongside them, and there were times when the writing was so vivid that it made me want to stop reading. It’s an uncomfortable book, but one that I think is very important.
Overall, this isn’t the type of book I would normally reach for. It is very far out of my comfort zone, and while I wouldn’t say that it was a pleasurable reading experience, I do think that it is a truly well-written book with a lot of value to it.
July 7, 2022
Margie Orford has won acclaim as the author of the Clare Hart novels, set in South Africa and examining male violence against women. Tough and unsparing, they are also cathartic and uplifting.
Her new thriller, The Eye Of The Beholder, opens in the snow and freezing cold of Canada where Cora is running from a man who has left her bruised, and hoping to reconnect with her daughter, Freya.
We next meet Angel, a young woman with a tough past who works at a wolf sanctuary where a woman brings an injured dog found on the side of the road - this is Trotsky, who belongs to art dealer Yves Fournier, who has a secluded cabin not far away. It turns out he went skiing and hasn't been seen since. But she's patient, she can wait til he turns up...
We move between the present in Canada with Angel, with Freya in London and with Cora - a renowned artist - in a remote part of Scotland, plus Cora's childhood in South Africa. The extreme cold of Canada, the temperate UK, and the blistering heat of South Africa are effective contrasts, each shown to have its own beauty - and its own ugliness too.
Angel and Cora are both determined to escape their pasts - Angel is finding peace in her work with the wolves, relating to the animals far more easily than people; Cora returns repeatedly in her art to exploring her time in South Africa, though each fresh canvas is more a palimpsest than clean slate, even if the act of creation is healing.
As Freya explores her mother's past through newly-unearthed photographs and cine film, we also learn more of their bond, and of their relationships with men whose behaviours will be very familiar to most female readers. But the women are determined that what they have endured will not define them, and are far more than the stereotypical passive victims.
As the tension is slowly ratcheted up, Angel makes her way to Scotland and there is a quiet reckoning between her and Cora before a powerful, cathartic ending.
The Eye of the Beholder is horribly realistic, emotionally exhausting and unashamedly feminist. It grabs you by the heart in the first paragraph and doesn't let go until the last word. Orford has always chronicled necessary stories wrapped in understated style and gripping plots; here she has upped her game so far other writers will need rocket fuel to keep up.
Her new thriller, The Eye Of The Beholder, opens in the snow and freezing cold of Canada where Cora is running from a man who has left her bruised, and hoping to reconnect with her daughter, Freya.
We next meet Angel, a young woman with a tough past who works at a wolf sanctuary where a woman brings an injured dog found on the side of the road - this is Trotsky, who belongs to art dealer Yves Fournier, who has a secluded cabin not far away. It turns out he went skiing and hasn't been seen since. But she's patient, she can wait til he turns up...
We move between the present in Canada with Angel, with Freya in London and with Cora - a renowned artist - in a remote part of Scotland, plus Cora's childhood in South Africa. The extreme cold of Canada, the temperate UK, and the blistering heat of South Africa are effective contrasts, each shown to have its own beauty - and its own ugliness too.
Angel and Cora are both determined to escape their pasts - Angel is finding peace in her work with the wolves, relating to the animals far more easily than people; Cora returns repeatedly in her art to exploring her time in South Africa, though each fresh canvas is more a palimpsest than clean slate, even if the act of creation is healing.
As Freya explores her mother's past through newly-unearthed photographs and cine film, we also learn more of their bond, and of their relationships with men whose behaviours will be very familiar to most female readers. But the women are determined that what they have endured will not define them, and are far more than the stereotypical passive victims.
As the tension is slowly ratcheted up, Angel makes her way to Scotland and there is a quiet reckoning between her and Cora before a powerful, cathartic ending.
The Eye of the Beholder is horribly realistic, emotionally exhausting and unashamedly feminist. It grabs you by the heart in the first paragraph and doesn't let go until the last word. Orford has always chronicled necessary stories wrapped in understated style and gripping plots; here she has upped her game so far other writers will need rocket fuel to keep up.
October 2, 2022
Chilling, disturbing and haunting, The Eye of the Beholder is the terrifying new novel by Margie Orford.
In the Canadian wilderness, Cora has never felt so frightened or so alone. A shocking act of violence has left her with no other alternative but to flee; a feat which is going to be anything but easy. Yet, Cora knows that if she doesn’t escape the prison she is trapped in, then she will die. With the cabin owner’s dog in hot pursuit, escape proves almost impossible yet Cora manages to unshackle herself from her old life to start over elsewhere. However, Cora quickly discovers that outrunning the past is impossible as the truth will always find you – no matter where you go or how far you run.
Angel has had her fair share of battles in her life. She had learned at a very early age that that she had nobody to rely on but herself. Now working at a wolf sanctuary, when a dog comes in, Angel immediately senses that something isn’t quite right and that there is more to this story than meets the eye. Yet, Angel needs to tread carefully and to think twice about digging deeper into this incident as there could be dangerous repercussions for her that could end up threatening her life.
Freya has always been intrigued by her mother’s past and begins to look into her story, but when earth-shattering revelations come tumbling out of the closet, she begins to wonder whether some things should be left dead and buried
From South Africa to Canada and Scotland, these three women are united by a desperate desire to fight oppression and subjugation, punish their aggressors and leave their pasts behind – for good.
A dark, visceral and propulsive read that is eerie, unsettling and disturbing, The Eye of the Beholder is a compulsive and thought-provoking tale that will get under your skin. Margie Orford’s The Eye of the Beholder is an affecting, heart-wrenching and intelligent thriller that will shock, startle and rattle readers everywhere.
Complex, frightfully real and gut-wrenching, Maggie Orford’s The Eye of the Beholder is a book you will still be thinking about long after you’ve finished it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In the Canadian wilderness, Cora has never felt so frightened or so alone. A shocking act of violence has left her with no other alternative but to flee; a feat which is going to be anything but easy. Yet, Cora knows that if she doesn’t escape the prison she is trapped in, then she will die. With the cabin owner’s dog in hot pursuit, escape proves almost impossible yet Cora manages to unshackle herself from her old life to start over elsewhere. However, Cora quickly discovers that outrunning the past is impossible as the truth will always find you – no matter where you go or how far you run.
Angel has had her fair share of battles in her life. She had learned at a very early age that that she had nobody to rely on but herself. Now working at a wolf sanctuary, when a dog comes in, Angel immediately senses that something isn’t quite right and that there is more to this story than meets the eye. Yet, Angel needs to tread carefully and to think twice about digging deeper into this incident as there could be dangerous repercussions for her that could end up threatening her life.
Freya has always been intrigued by her mother’s past and begins to look into her story, but when earth-shattering revelations come tumbling out of the closet, she begins to wonder whether some things should be left dead and buried
From South Africa to Canada and Scotland, these three women are united by a desperate desire to fight oppression and subjugation, punish their aggressors and leave their pasts behind – for good.
A dark, visceral and propulsive read that is eerie, unsettling and disturbing, The Eye of the Beholder is a compulsive and thought-provoking tale that will get under your skin. Margie Orford’s The Eye of the Beholder is an affecting, heart-wrenching and intelligent thriller that will shock, startle and rattle readers everywhere.
Complex, frightfully real and gut-wrenching, Maggie Orford’s The Eye of the Beholder is a book you will still be thinking about long after you’ve finished it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 8, 2022
With the author’s background as investigative journalist, she has got the authority and insight to address complex and uncomfortable topics. Be sure to check trigger warnings. This of course implies that this is not an easy read. This is a dark, psychologically intense novel about what we see, perceptions and specifically referring to the “male gaze”. This is powerfully visualised and portrayed by Cora, the protagonists, use and love for the visual art.
It starts out with Cora, fleeing the safety and warmth of a cabin in the woods, during a snowstorm. Right from the start, we start to feel the tension and are prompted to ask the question – what is she fleeing from? Or even more intriguing – what has she done? It is a real page-turner, and every chapter felt like a new puzzle piece falling in place.
A few favourite quotes:
“My mother...would sit for hours flicking through magazines, looking at photographs of smiling women with immaculate hair. She dreamed of a world without dust, a world of shining kitchens and canapé recipes, a world that wasn't the farm. I sat at her feet waiting for her.”
“Freya sensed her mother's damage in the fluid worlds she painted, where beauty and cruelty were hard to distinguish.”
“Those of us who survive live on as dark stars,' murmured Cora, 'We are invisible, but we collapse the light.”
“Art - making things - is a way to look at horror and survive. That's what artists do. We make things that can be viewed, when looking at the original would turn us into stone.”
“Hotel rooms, she'd tweeted into the insomniac internet, make everybody feel welcome and no one feel at home.”
• Scandic Noir feels
• Female-driven
• Flawed characters
• Reprisal
• Mother-and-daughter relationships
I am keen to check out Margie’s “Clare Hart” series, which was recently republished by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
I had the opportunity to read “In The Eye of the Beholder” as part of a readalong hosted by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Thank you JBP – and all the fabulous South African bookstagrammers who joined as well!
It starts out with Cora, fleeing the safety and warmth of a cabin in the woods, during a snowstorm. Right from the start, we start to feel the tension and are prompted to ask the question – what is she fleeing from? Or even more intriguing – what has she done? It is a real page-turner, and every chapter felt like a new puzzle piece falling in place.
A few favourite quotes:
“My mother...would sit for hours flicking through magazines, looking at photographs of smiling women with immaculate hair. She dreamed of a world without dust, a world of shining kitchens and canapé recipes, a world that wasn't the farm. I sat at her feet waiting for her.”
“Freya sensed her mother's damage in the fluid worlds she painted, where beauty and cruelty were hard to distinguish.”
“Those of us who survive live on as dark stars,' murmured Cora, 'We are invisible, but we collapse the light.”
“Art - making things - is a way to look at horror and survive. That's what artists do. We make things that can be viewed, when looking at the original would turn us into stone.”
“Hotel rooms, she'd tweeted into the insomniac internet, make everybody feel welcome and no one feel at home.”
• Scandic Noir feels
• Female-driven
• Flawed characters
• Reprisal
• Mother-and-daughter relationships
I am keen to check out Margie’s “Clare Hart” series, which was recently republished by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
I had the opportunity to read “In The Eye of the Beholder” as part of a readalong hosted by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Thank you JBP – and all the fabulous South African bookstagrammers who joined as well!
November 24, 2022
Fans of the creator of the Clare Hart series will not be disappointed after waiting almost a decade for a new story.
Dubbed the South African “Queen of Crime”, Margie Orford masterfully spins a spine-tingling tale as the pages unfold to reveal the relationships and secrets between three females and a male narcissist.
Knowingly or not, many of us have dated a narcissist at some point. They suck you in, drain you, leave you broken- hearted and fearful of getting into another relationship.
Known for writing about familiar places in and around South Africa, this story begins in an isolated cabin surrounded by a snowy wilderness.
Karoo-born artist Cora is fleeing the scene followed by art dealer Yves’ dog.
Unable to take the hound with her, she ditches him. He is later found by Angel who recognises him because she has been using Yves’ cabin as a base from which to collect video footage of wolves.
Angel searches the empty cabin and determines to find Yves. Her investigations lead to Cora who has been capturing stories of women who have survived war crimes and her own problematic childhood and turning this trauma into art.
But her fame recently turned to infamy due to her “Forbidden Fruit” depiction of a partially clothed girl. The varying viewpoints to this explain the book’s title – The Eye of the Beholder.
The collection of art sparked a media outcry and had police questioning Cora’s adult daughter Freya who lives in London and is trying to understand more about her mother’s motivations.
As the main characters’ lives entwine and collide there are dramatic consequences that are sometimes difficult to read.
At times the story is tricky to follow as it flicks through repetitive flashbacks often making the story disjointed.
However, it is a satisfying and thought-provoking read that examines dark issues of child abuse, online pornography and self-harm.
It is also an effective portrayal of women who refuse to be victims. The story also leaves much to the imagination, showing rather than telling.
The ending is predictable but all in all it is an atmospheric, emotional dark thriller of attraction, betrayal and revenge.
Dubbed the South African “Queen of Crime”, Margie Orford masterfully spins a spine-tingling tale as the pages unfold to reveal the relationships and secrets between three females and a male narcissist.
Knowingly or not, many of us have dated a narcissist at some point. They suck you in, drain you, leave you broken- hearted and fearful of getting into another relationship.
Known for writing about familiar places in and around South Africa, this story begins in an isolated cabin surrounded by a snowy wilderness.
Karoo-born artist Cora is fleeing the scene followed by art dealer Yves’ dog.
Unable to take the hound with her, she ditches him. He is later found by Angel who recognises him because she has been using Yves’ cabin as a base from which to collect video footage of wolves.
Angel searches the empty cabin and determines to find Yves. Her investigations lead to Cora who has been capturing stories of women who have survived war crimes and her own problematic childhood and turning this trauma into art.
But her fame recently turned to infamy due to her “Forbidden Fruit” depiction of a partially clothed girl. The varying viewpoints to this explain the book’s title – The Eye of the Beholder.
The collection of art sparked a media outcry and had police questioning Cora’s adult daughter Freya who lives in London and is trying to understand more about her mother’s motivations.
As the main characters’ lives entwine and collide there are dramatic consequences that are sometimes difficult to read.
At times the story is tricky to follow as it flicks through repetitive flashbacks often making the story disjointed.
However, it is a satisfying and thought-provoking read that examines dark issues of child abuse, online pornography and self-harm.
It is also an effective portrayal of women who refuse to be victims. The story also leaves much to the imagination, showing rather than telling.
The ending is predictable but all in all it is an atmospheric, emotional dark thriller of attraction, betrayal and revenge.
February 18, 2023
The Eye of The Beholder is a complex, dark psychological thriller with scandi-noir vibes. It is a book that will grip you from page one as you delve into the main character's psyche and root for their survival.
The book opens in the freezing wilds of Canada, as artist Cora is running from a man who has left her bruised and trembling with fear, desperate to get away.
Orford quickly introduces Angel, a young woman with a harrowing past who works at a wolf sanctuary. When a woman brings an injured dog found on the roadside, Angel identifies her as Trotsky, who belongs to local art dealer Yves Fournier. Angel has been keeping an eye on Fournier, and when she realises he’s missing, she notifies search and rescue, but she also commences her own deep dive.
We move between the present in Canada with Angel, with Freya in London and Cora in remote Scotland, and the recent past in various places with Cora and Yves and her childhood in South Africa. The jumpiness of the locations and timelines has the potential to be confusing, but here it works well to show the turmoil of our protagonists.
Angel and Cora are both determined to escape their abusive pasts, but this is harder than anyone thought. Sure, you can physically leave a location, but the memories stay buried, ready to be triggered at any moment.
Angel finds solace in her work with the wolves. Cora submerges herself in art to explore the South Africa of her troubled youth – each fresh canvas is a retelling. However healing the act of creation is, it often results in controversy, most notably in her Forbidden Fruit exhibition.
As Cora begins a massive new piece of work, Freya explores her mother’s past through a stack of photographs and film, and we learn more of their shared history, close bond and complex relationships with men.
The Eye of the Beholder is brutal and emotionally exhausting. Despite the difficult content, it is sprinkled with a liberal pinch of dark humour to great effect.
The ending was a small bit disappointing, but I would love to read more about these strong and vibrant women. 4⭐
Many thanks to Canongate for my copy in return for an honest review.
The book opens in the freezing wilds of Canada, as artist Cora is running from a man who has left her bruised and trembling with fear, desperate to get away.
Orford quickly introduces Angel, a young woman with a harrowing past who works at a wolf sanctuary. When a woman brings an injured dog found on the roadside, Angel identifies her as Trotsky, who belongs to local art dealer Yves Fournier. Angel has been keeping an eye on Fournier, and when she realises he’s missing, she notifies search and rescue, but she also commences her own deep dive.
We move between the present in Canada with Angel, with Freya in London and Cora in remote Scotland, and the recent past in various places with Cora and Yves and her childhood in South Africa. The jumpiness of the locations and timelines has the potential to be confusing, but here it works well to show the turmoil of our protagonists.
Angel and Cora are both determined to escape their abusive pasts, but this is harder than anyone thought. Sure, you can physically leave a location, but the memories stay buried, ready to be triggered at any moment.
Angel finds solace in her work with the wolves. Cora submerges herself in art to explore the South Africa of her troubled youth – each fresh canvas is a retelling. However healing the act of creation is, it often results in controversy, most notably in her Forbidden Fruit exhibition.
As Cora begins a massive new piece of work, Freya explores her mother’s past through a stack of photographs and film, and we learn more of their shared history, close bond and complex relationships with men.
The Eye of the Beholder is brutal and emotionally exhausting. Despite the difficult content, it is sprinkled with a liberal pinch of dark humour to great effect.
The ending was a small bit disappointing, but I would love to read more about these strong and vibrant women. 4⭐
Many thanks to Canongate for my copy in return for an honest review.
September 25, 2022
Not for the first time this year, I’m reading a novel which depicts the depravitiy men perpetrate upon girls and women, physically, sexually and emotionally. It’s not easy reading, given I believe I could not be that person, yet, the characterisations can easily appear “normal” to the outside world.
I’d become aware of the author, and book, at the Cape Town Open Book Festival. She shared a panel with a previous read, The Price of Mercy, the biography of an author/physician who had assisted suicide. Orford is known as “the Queen of SA crime fiction” which recommended me to the book. Having read a number of SA men’s crime fiction, a female writer is a lot less stereotyped, greater degrees of subtlety as well as harsher prose.
It’s a stimulating read, it felt a little incongruous, given the subject matter, as a holiday read. The plot is well conceived and it moves along its various threads before descending upon the “collective” ending. Her writing style carries the reader, it doesn’t appear over researched, not that it’s clumsy, more that it’s not a index of references! My next book, a novel, is by the third member of the panel! As you can see, a stimulating discussion covering so many facets of a similar subject, mercy, has me determined to explore these talented people further!
I’d become aware of the author, and book, at the Cape Town Open Book Festival. She shared a panel with a previous read, The Price of Mercy, the biography of an author/physician who had assisted suicide. Orford is known as “the Queen of SA crime fiction” which recommended me to the book. Having read a number of SA men’s crime fiction, a female writer is a lot less stereotyped, greater degrees of subtlety as well as harsher prose.
It’s a stimulating read, it felt a little incongruous, given the subject matter, as a holiday read. The plot is well conceived and it moves along its various threads before descending upon the “collective” ending. Her writing style carries the reader, it doesn’t appear over researched, not that it’s clumsy, more that it’s not a index of references! My next book, a novel, is by the third member of the panel! As you can see, a stimulating discussion covering so many facets of a similar subject, mercy, has me determined to explore these talented people further!
July 9, 2022
A brilliant deeply disturbing story.
Cora, a flamboyant artist, produced a set of miniatures to represent her life as a young girl on her parent’s farm in South Africa. Unfortunately, the press has branded them as child pornography. Yves, an art dealer enters her life in this chaotic stage of her life. He goes out of his way to seduce her, even telling her a horrific secret. Will she be strong enough to break his hold over her?
Angel, a young woman with a past who lives close to Yves’ cabin, in the winter’s frozen lake district of Canada is part of a volunteer group looking after a pack of wolves near Yves’s cottage. She is mentally scarred by her past. Has she an agenda for taking the job with the wolves?
Margie Orford has produced a masterpiece in this novel that had me questioning every character, every situation and cringing with horror in several scenes. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters, however, I was so caught up in the storyline that I couldn’t stop reading well into the early hours of the morning waiting to see how it would all end.
Rony
Elite Reviews received a copy of the book to review.
Cora, a flamboyant artist, produced a set of miniatures to represent her life as a young girl on her parent’s farm in South Africa. Unfortunately, the press has branded them as child pornography. Yves, an art dealer enters her life in this chaotic stage of her life. He goes out of his way to seduce her, even telling her a horrific secret. Will she be strong enough to break his hold over her?
Angel, a young woman with a past who lives close to Yves’ cabin, in the winter’s frozen lake district of Canada is part of a volunteer group looking after a pack of wolves near Yves’s cottage. She is mentally scarred by her past. Has she an agenda for taking the job with the wolves?
Margie Orford has produced a masterpiece in this novel that had me questioning every character, every situation and cringing with horror in several scenes. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters, however, I was so caught up in the storyline that I couldn’t stop reading well into the early hours of the morning waiting to see how it would all end.
Rony
Elite Reviews received a copy of the book to review.
July 14, 2022
I have read several books by Margie Orford, but this one is my favourite. It goes beyond the traditional crime genre and reads like an excellent novel about three women and the secrets and silence they carry. It is beautifully written and feels, at times, hauntingly real. It exemplifies the history of abuse of women, how deep it runs from generation to generation and how well men are used to isolating and breaking down women to keep the abuse from ever coming out.
Even after metoo and a more significant focus on similiar issues, the book shows how society, for example, media and police are still fumbling in protecting the women and children from the long arms of powerful men. Sometimes women have to take a hand in their matters even if it is scary, painful and can hurt their loved ones.
It is not an easy task to tell three stories, each with many flashbacks, but the writer balances it very well. It was easy to visualize and follow the story, and I look forward to seeing this adapted into a film or series.
Even after metoo and a more significant focus on similiar issues, the book shows how society, for example, media and police are still fumbling in protecting the women and children from the long arms of powerful men. Sometimes women have to take a hand in their matters even if it is scary, painful and can hurt their loved ones.
It is not an easy task to tell three stories, each with many flashbacks, but the writer balances it very well. It was easy to visualize and follow the story, and I look forward to seeing this adapted into a film or series.
January 26, 2023
I joined in on a readalong of this one this month and it was SO good! I really struggled to space it out over the three weeks because I was hooked from pretty much the first chapter, but I held strong 🤪
This is a pretty dark novel, narrated by three women who are all impacted (whether directly or indirectly) by sexual abuse and men who take advantage of women. There’s Cora, who finds out the man she’s been seeing is a predator, her daughter Freya, who can’t understand some of her mother’s choices and behaviour, and Angel, a woman after revenge. Obviously they all end up connected (and across multiple locations which I really enjoyed) and I love how seamlessly their experiences all wove together.
Whilst this is obviously a fairly extreme take, I think most women will relate to the themes of this story, and especially that focus on the moment where you lose the innocence of not understanding the particular way men look at you, of not feeling the need to shy away and make yourself small so you won’t attract their gaze. In this novel it’s also represented through Cora’s art and there’s this big drama around the way she has tried to capture that moment but it’s been taken the wrong way. Women can never win right?! Except maybe in this book, they do…
Bonus points for all the wolves and wolf dogs!
This is a pretty dark novel, narrated by three women who are all impacted (whether directly or indirectly) by sexual abuse and men who take advantage of women. There’s Cora, who finds out the man she’s been seeing is a predator, her daughter Freya, who can’t understand some of her mother’s choices and behaviour, and Angel, a woman after revenge. Obviously they all end up connected (and across multiple locations which I really enjoyed) and I love how seamlessly their experiences all wove together.
Whilst this is obviously a fairly extreme take, I think most women will relate to the themes of this story, and especially that focus on the moment where you lose the innocence of not understanding the particular way men look at you, of not feeling the need to shy away and make yourself small so you won’t attract their gaze. In this novel it’s also represented through Cora’s art and there’s this big drama around the way she has tried to capture that moment but it’s been taken the wrong way. Women can never win right?! Except maybe in this book, they do…
Bonus points for all the wolves and wolf dogs!
July 5, 2022
"Cora carries secrets her daughter can't know.
Freya is frightened by what her mother leaves unsaid.
Angel will only bury the past if it means putting her abusers into the ground."
The publisher's description really intrigued me so when I was offered a chance to review this for NetGalley I eagerly accepted the opportunity. Unfortunately, though I found that this book wasn't for me. It wasn't that I didn't like the author's way of writing or the way that the different strands came together - in fact I thought the way the story was constructed was quite good. It was the fact that this book centred so much on violence, misogyny and child sexual abuse that I really didn't like - I found it a sad and depressing read.
Freya is frightened by what her mother leaves unsaid.
Angel will only bury the past if it means putting her abusers into the ground."
The publisher's description really intrigued me so when I was offered a chance to review this for NetGalley I eagerly accepted the opportunity. Unfortunately, though I found that this book wasn't for me. It wasn't that I didn't like the author's way of writing or the way that the different strands came together - in fact I thought the way the story was constructed was quite good. It was the fact that this book centred so much on violence, misogyny and child sexual abuse that I really didn't like - I found it a sad and depressing read.
December 20, 2022
Triggers: child trafficking, violent acts against women, trauma
Why read such a thriller? I thought at first it was a book about secrets and women’s lives in peril. It was that and so much more. For women who have trauma in their backgrounds this will either be very difficult or therapeutic. Themes are perspective in storytelling, creative expression through art to heal brokenness, justice vs revenge, affect of media on court and victim impact. The author got it right. So few do, but she did, to her credit. Well written and emotionally charged novel.
Why read such a thriller? I thought at first it was a book about secrets and women’s lives in peril. It was that and so much more. For women who have trauma in their backgrounds this will either be very difficult or therapeutic. Themes are perspective in storytelling, creative expression through art to heal brokenness, justice vs revenge, affect of media on court and victim impact. The author got it right. So few do, but she did, to her credit. Well written and emotionally charged novel.
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