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To Dare
Veronica and her wealthy husband George are unpacking boxes, hoping a fresh start in their newly refurbished Victorian terrace will help them heal from a recent trauma.
Next door, Simone returns to her neglected council flat. Miserable and trapped, she struggles to take care of her children under the watch of her controlling husband Terry.
When childhood friend Sarah re-enters Veronica's life, things are thrown even further off balance. As tensions in their own lives rise, the painful memory that binds them threatens to spill into their present.
Three lives collide in this story of family, inequality and revenge.
Next door, Simone returns to her neglected council flat. Miserable and trapped, she struggles to take care of her children under the watch of her controlling husband Terry.
When childhood friend Sarah re-enters Veronica's life, things are thrown even further off balance. As tensions in their own lives rise, the painful memory that binds them threatens to spill into their present.
Three lives collide in this story of family, inequality and revenge.
Audio CD
First published June 1, 2020
56 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
Jemma Wayne
10 books30 followersBorn to an American musician father, and English mother, Jemma grew up in leafy Hertfordshire and studied Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge University and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Westminster. She began her career as a journalist at The Jewish Chronicle and now works freelance splitting her time between journalism, writing for stage, and prose. Her first play, Negative Space, was staged in 2009 at Hampstead's New End Theatre, receiving critical acclaim.
The idea for After Before was first spawned after attending a SURF charity event organised by her husband, in aid of survivors of the Rwandan genocide. It was there that Jemma heard first-hand some of the lingering effects of the 1994 war.
The idea for After Before was first spawned after attending a SURF charity event organised by her husband, in aid of survivors of the Rwandan genocide. It was there that Jemma heard first-hand some of the lingering effects of the 1994 war.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 29, 2020
And here I thought I was picking up a popcorn popping psychological thriller but this wasn't that at all. This book is heavy. We follow the trials and tribulations of three woman, separate from one another yet soon to connect.
Veronica - an elementary school teacher, former bully in youth, married, and yearning for children after a recent miscarriage.
"Sometimes into these ponderings would seep a toxic feeling of injustice: how unfair it was that parents like some of these, like her own, were gifted with children they rarely seemed to desire; how unfair that the dreadful man who lived next door was able to spawn a baby whose cries he willfully ignored and she had to listen to each night, in mockery; how unfair that her childhood friend, the same age as herself, had been granted not one but two children already."
Simone - Neighbor to Veronica. She has battled drug and alcohol addiction most of her life and lives with her husband Terry who is also a drug addict, alcoholic, and is physically and emotionally abusive to her and her son from a previous relationship. They do have a child together and it is she that Veronica can hear crying endlessly, untended to and neglected by everyone around her.
"These were the people that Simone knew, that Simone saw. United not by money, or lack of it, not by ethnicity or religion, not by the estate, but by just one thing: the way they hurt each other, generation after generation, round and around. They kept each other bound by that, like an inescapable magnet. Hurt people hurt people, don't they?"
Sarah - Veronica's childhood friend. Happily married with two lovely children. She and Veronica have recently become reacquainted because Sarah's daughter is in her class. Sarah doesn't hold fond memories of Veronica but Veronica insists they get together at Sarah's reluctance.
"When Veronica was looking at you, listening to you, loving you, you felt like queen of the world; but you weren't queen, because she was the queen."
This book tackles a lot of issues. I felt anger, sadness, frustration, but also hope. All three of these women infuriated me at one time or another but by the end I was growing to care for each of them. Jemma Wayne is a wonderful storyteller and her writing was just beautiful. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Legend Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Veronica - an elementary school teacher, former bully in youth, married, and yearning for children after a recent miscarriage.
"Sometimes into these ponderings would seep a toxic feeling of injustice: how unfair it was that parents like some of these, like her own, were gifted with children they rarely seemed to desire; how unfair that the dreadful man who lived next door was able to spawn a baby whose cries he willfully ignored and she had to listen to each night, in mockery; how unfair that her childhood friend, the same age as herself, had been granted not one but two children already."
Simone - Neighbor to Veronica. She has battled drug and alcohol addiction most of her life and lives with her husband Terry who is also a drug addict, alcoholic, and is physically and emotionally abusive to her and her son from a previous relationship. They do have a child together and it is she that Veronica can hear crying endlessly, untended to and neglected by everyone around her.
"These were the people that Simone knew, that Simone saw. United not by money, or lack of it, not by ethnicity or religion, not by the estate, but by just one thing: the way they hurt each other, generation after generation, round and around. They kept each other bound by that, like an inescapable magnet. Hurt people hurt people, don't they?"
Sarah - Veronica's childhood friend. Happily married with two lovely children. She and Veronica have recently become reacquainted because Sarah's daughter is in her class. Sarah doesn't hold fond memories of Veronica but Veronica insists they get together at Sarah's reluctance.
"When Veronica was looking at you, listening to you, loving you, you felt like queen of the world; but you weren't queen, because she was the queen."
This book tackles a lot of issues. I felt anger, sadness, frustration, but also hope. All three of these women infuriated me at one time or another but by the end I was growing to care for each of them. Jemma Wayne is a wonderful storyteller and her writing was just beautiful. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Legend Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2020
Undoubtedly, approach this book with caution. You know when you stream something to watch and, at the top of your television screen, there’s a whole list of advisories? Well, this book is just like that: sexual abuse, domestic violence, deception, rape… I could continue. So, if you are considering reading this book, do consider that this is a rather bleak narrative and a lot of strength is needed to get through it. Don’t get me wrong, it is very well written, but, oh my, I need something to make me smile after completing Wayne’s novel.
The story is told from three women’s perspectives: Sarah, Veronica and Simone. All have seemingly very different backgrounds but their experience of deception and disappointment in life all brings them together. On the outside, it would seem that Sarah and Veronica have the most comfortable life in comparison to Simone. However, readers soon learn that Simone has strayed from a once stable path and is now trying to survive each day – quite literally.
Despite the sadness that all of the characters experience, I found I could not grow to like any of them. They present some rather negative traits that I disliked and instead I found myself reading this in a rather detached manner. I also think the horror of what these women go through meant that by distancing myself, I could continue to read it and be less emotionally affected.
The difficult topics are well-explored in this narrative. All are such delicate subjects. Wayne’s writing is superb and I certainly applaud how she has interwoven these into the story. Each character’s perspective felt unique; their narrative voices did not blend into one another and I imagined I was truly having an insight into their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Did I enjoy reading such a bleak novel about broken women? Well, it’s a mixture, to be honest. The topics made me squirm inside but the portrayal was clever and felt realistic. The secrets that are hidden behind closed doors reinforced each of the women’s desperation to reach out and connect. However, each of their reasons, whilst different, were all fundamentally centred on themselves.
I really enjoyed the ending of the story and I found myself running through the pages to find out how it concluded. There was no real “relief” at the end, so don’t consider this to have a cliched ‘happy ever after’ – it just would not fit with the narrative. It was a powerful, haunting story and I hope, outside of the story, each woman has found happiness, closure and self-belief.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. With thanks to everyone at Legend Press and Jemma Wayne for allowing me to participate in this blog tour.
The story is told from three women’s perspectives: Sarah, Veronica and Simone. All have seemingly very different backgrounds but their experience of deception and disappointment in life all brings them together. On the outside, it would seem that Sarah and Veronica have the most comfortable life in comparison to Simone. However, readers soon learn that Simone has strayed from a once stable path and is now trying to survive each day – quite literally.
Despite the sadness that all of the characters experience, I found I could not grow to like any of them. They present some rather negative traits that I disliked and instead I found myself reading this in a rather detached manner. I also think the horror of what these women go through meant that by distancing myself, I could continue to read it and be less emotionally affected.
The difficult topics are well-explored in this narrative. All are such delicate subjects. Wayne’s writing is superb and I certainly applaud how she has interwoven these into the story. Each character’s perspective felt unique; their narrative voices did not blend into one another and I imagined I was truly having an insight into their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Did I enjoy reading such a bleak novel about broken women? Well, it’s a mixture, to be honest. The topics made me squirm inside but the portrayal was clever and felt realistic. The secrets that are hidden behind closed doors reinforced each of the women’s desperation to reach out and connect. However, each of their reasons, whilst different, were all fundamentally centred on themselves.
I really enjoyed the ending of the story and I found myself running through the pages to find out how it concluded. There was no real “relief” at the end, so don’t consider this to have a cliched ‘happy ever after’ – it just would not fit with the narrative. It was a powerful, haunting story and I hope, outside of the story, each woman has found happiness, closure and self-belief.
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. With thanks to everyone at Legend Press and Jemma Wayne for allowing me to participate in this blog tour.
December 18, 2020
To Dare follows the lives of 3 women who could not be more different in their lifestyles and upbringing.
Veronica and George are moving into their new home in Primrose Hill, but they are having doubts after the neighbours kept them awake with their loud music and shouting. They are worried that someone was being hurt.
Simone is Veronica’s neighbour and has battled with drug and alcohol, she lives with Terry who is also a drug addict and an alcoholic and her 2 children.
Simone has a new job but is scared to tell Terry who is both emotionally and physically abusing her. She wants to change her life but how?
Sarah is happily married and has 2 children. She meets up with her old school friend Veronica, when she discovers Sarah teaches her daughter. Veronica is keen for them to meet up but Sarah’s memories of their time together are not so sweet.
I loved how this book brought 3 very different women together who are all dealing with their own issues. I was immediately gripped by their women’s lives and I thought their characters were well written. The story covers a wide range of issues in a sensitive way.
I would definitely recommend this book. It will stay with you long after reading it and makes you look at your neighbours differently. How well do you really know anyone?
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
July 5, 2020
My review on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com. Twitter@bookpage5
Wow I loved this books about neighbours. We all know behind closed doors every neighbour leads a different life.
Simone a smoker has got herself a job, but she knows her abusive controlling husband, Terry won’t be too pleased. Simone can’t understand what she did to make things go wrong, they have just had the worst fight that they have had in months and now that’s all she been thinking about. Poor Simone she seems to be blaming herself. Some women do blame themselves for the way their husbands treat them, but in reality it’s the husbands who can’t control their temper. He’s already blasted Simone for looking at the rich neighbours.
Teacher, Veronica and George lived in a posh house with high romantic headboard and wardrobes and bedside table in chic style of Louis XIV. At 3am Veronica and George can hear an abrupt sound of something thumping next door in Simone and Terry’s house with music blaring and a baby crying. Upset Veronica with listening to the baby next door is just what Veronica had longed for a baby. George isn’t to happy about the noise coming from Simone and Terry’s house, after looking for a place for three months and planning six months of work, with all that money and there living next door to them kind of neighbours.
At the school where Veronica works, she meets Sarah Beckham, now a lawyer, who was her best friend from when they twelve. Sarah looks posh in an elegant suit and hair a few shades lighter. Veronica is now Sarah’s daughter’s teacher.
What happens when Veronica and Sarah meet much more is some that I’m keeping a guarded secret.
Don’t miss this fabulous story of To Dare by Jemma Wayne.
Wow I loved this books about neighbours. We all know behind closed doors every neighbour leads a different life.
Simone a smoker has got herself a job, but she knows her abusive controlling husband, Terry won’t be too pleased. Simone can’t understand what she did to make things go wrong, they have just had the worst fight that they have had in months and now that’s all she been thinking about. Poor Simone she seems to be blaming herself. Some women do blame themselves for the way their husbands treat them, but in reality it’s the husbands who can’t control their temper. He’s already blasted Simone for looking at the rich neighbours.
Teacher, Veronica and George lived in a posh house with high romantic headboard and wardrobes and bedside table in chic style of Louis XIV. At 3am Veronica and George can hear an abrupt sound of something thumping next door in Simone and Terry’s house with music blaring and a baby crying. Upset Veronica with listening to the baby next door is just what Veronica had longed for a baby. George isn’t to happy about the noise coming from Simone and Terry’s house, after looking for a place for three months and planning six months of work, with all that money and there living next door to them kind of neighbours.
At the school where Veronica works, she meets Sarah Beckham, now a lawyer, who was her best friend from when they twelve. Sarah looks posh in an elegant suit and hair a few shades lighter. Veronica is now Sarah’s daughter’s teacher.
What happens when Veronica and Sarah meet much more is some that I’m keeping a guarded secret.
Don’t miss this fabulous story of To Dare by Jemma Wayne.
July 1, 2020
I enjoyed this book, its not that I didn't, but I feel a bit 'empty' after it.
I felt there were a few parts of the story that perhaps didn't need to be there (the long winded flashbacks, for example - perhaps, these could've been better to set the history at the beginning of the story) and it kind of irked me a little how all these bad things were happening - but yet they all got their Disney-esque ending. As I said, I didn't not enjoy it, I just didn't LOVE it.
I felt there were a few parts of the story that perhaps didn't need to be there (the long winded flashbacks, for example - perhaps, these could've been better to set the history at the beginning of the story) and it kind of irked me a little how all these bad things were happening - but yet they all got their Disney-esque ending. As I said, I didn't not enjoy it, I just didn't LOVE it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2020
Well I did not expect that!
A chapter in I hated Simone and what she and her hideous partner were doing to their children, I liked Veronica.
Three chapters in, all change!
The author plays wonderfully with your mind and the issue of first impressions, exploring brilliantly the issue of how our childhood and our parents can effect our deepest psyche.
The writing was subtle but so GOOD! I was genuinely anxious waiting for the noise to start at night and the violence, I genuinely felt the emotions of the characters in so many ways.
The ending was very satisfying and the threads drew together really well.
An unexpected read and very thought provoking, issues of mental health, the shaping of the psyche from childhood, sparks of self realisation and the ability to understand ones past and find the strength to make changes.
Not an easy read at times but so glad I read it, I will read more of this excellent author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Legend press for the ARC and opportunity to read and review, I loved this book.
A chapter in I hated Simone and what she and her hideous partner were doing to their children, I liked Veronica.
Three chapters in, all change!
The author plays wonderfully with your mind and the issue of first impressions, exploring brilliantly the issue of how our childhood and our parents can effect our deepest psyche.
The writing was subtle but so GOOD! I was genuinely anxious waiting for the noise to start at night and the violence, I genuinely felt the emotions of the characters in so many ways.
The ending was very satisfying and the threads drew together really well.
An unexpected read and very thought provoking, issues of mental health, the shaping of the psyche from childhood, sparks of self realisation and the ability to understand ones past and find the strength to make changes.
Not an easy read at times but so glad I read it, I will read more of this excellent author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Legend press for the ARC and opportunity to read and review, I loved this book.
October 18, 2020
Genre: General Fiction/Literary Fiction
Publisher: Legend Press
Pub. Date: July 1, 2020
This novel explores many themes through a multi-layered style, maybe one too many. You will read about addictions, domestic violence, rape, child abuse, dysfunctional friendships, jealousy, class biases, miscarriage, and claustrophobia. Wayne does a good job in all her themes. However, I am not sure that they all need to be addressed in one novel. Taking on too much can create a cramped read. Wayne’s astute observations make for a good literary fiction tale. Think the author Ann Patchett. Yet in this novel, the characters’ troubles, written in detailed and lengthy prose, gave off a melodramatic women’s fiction feel, especially the ending. No matter the genre, this story is dark. This reviewer has no problem reading disturbing fiction though others may.
Three women narrate the story. Two are childhood friends and the other is a neighbor to one of them. Their lives are interwoven by chance and proximity. Simone grew up with money but in adulthood, she lives in poverty. Rebellion against her parents led her to a teenage marriage with a boy who lived in the slums. After his death, drug abuse and loneliness bring her into a disastrous second marriage. This time to a man who is mentally and physically abusive to her and her children. Here the author shines in exploring the reasons for her character’s spiraling downfall where she confuses abuse with love. Through Simone, Wayne does an excellent job of showing the reader the definition of Battered Women’s Syndrome.
We also meet Veronica who is a wealthy teacher. She and her husband just moved into their dream house. However, she is mentally depressed. The trauma of her miscarriage and the stress of not being able to conceive again are destroying her marriage. Again, Wayne shines in her descriptions of Veronica’s emotions regarding her infertility. They are good enough to make you wonder if she interviewed couples going through this issue. Then there is Sarah who in the present is a middle-class lawyer married with two children. In Sarah and Veronica’s childhood years, they were best friends. When she re-enters Veronica’s life the adult friendship goes haywire. I compliment the author by nailing their preteen jealousies complete with dangerous dares and power games, which hurt one of them so terribly it left her with claustrophobia. In the present, both of them revert to their childhood personas. Here, I thought things became unbelievable. It is hard to swallow that two grown women would have a “Mean Girls” sort of friendship. It reads like a corny women’s fiction novel.
All three women are fighting their own demons, meaning the reader should be cheering them on. However, I did not. Or I did until the plot began to feel silly to me. When the three female stories are weaved together, rather than enhancing the novel they lose some of their intended punch. I do give the author credit for writing about three often-unlikable female characters. At least, I think that she did this on purpose. (Spoiler: The tale has an open ending, but hints that the women will do well in their futures), which is usually the case in women’s fiction. Women's fiction can be done well as it taps into the hopes, fears, and dreams of women today. However, in this novel with its many themes it comes off as excessive, exhausting, and sometimes silly. This is a shame Wayne is clearly a talented author and I would read her again. I found “To Dare” to be a decent read that with some editing could have been a very good book.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.instagram.com/martie6947/
https://www.pinterest.com/martienreco…\
https://www.amazon.com/
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord
Publisher: Legend Press
Pub. Date: July 1, 2020
This novel explores many themes through a multi-layered style, maybe one too many. You will read about addictions, domestic violence, rape, child abuse, dysfunctional friendships, jealousy, class biases, miscarriage, and claustrophobia. Wayne does a good job in all her themes. However, I am not sure that they all need to be addressed in one novel. Taking on too much can create a cramped read. Wayne’s astute observations make for a good literary fiction tale. Think the author Ann Patchett. Yet in this novel, the characters’ troubles, written in detailed and lengthy prose, gave off a melodramatic women’s fiction feel, especially the ending. No matter the genre, this story is dark. This reviewer has no problem reading disturbing fiction though others may.
Three women narrate the story. Two are childhood friends and the other is a neighbor to one of them. Their lives are interwoven by chance and proximity. Simone grew up with money but in adulthood, she lives in poverty. Rebellion against her parents led her to a teenage marriage with a boy who lived in the slums. After his death, drug abuse and loneliness bring her into a disastrous second marriage. This time to a man who is mentally and physically abusive to her and her children. Here the author shines in exploring the reasons for her character’s spiraling downfall where she confuses abuse with love. Through Simone, Wayne does an excellent job of showing the reader the definition of Battered Women’s Syndrome.
We also meet Veronica who is a wealthy teacher. She and her husband just moved into their dream house. However, she is mentally depressed. The trauma of her miscarriage and the stress of not being able to conceive again are destroying her marriage. Again, Wayne shines in her descriptions of Veronica’s emotions regarding her infertility. They are good enough to make you wonder if she interviewed couples going through this issue. Then there is Sarah who in the present is a middle-class lawyer married with two children. In Sarah and Veronica’s childhood years, they were best friends. When she re-enters Veronica’s life the adult friendship goes haywire. I compliment the author by nailing their preteen jealousies complete with dangerous dares and power games, which hurt one of them so terribly it left her with claustrophobia. In the present, both of them revert to their childhood personas. Here, I thought things became unbelievable. It is hard to swallow that two grown women would have a “Mean Girls” sort of friendship. It reads like a corny women’s fiction novel.
All three women are fighting their own demons, meaning the reader should be cheering them on. However, I did not. Or I did until the plot began to feel silly to me. When the three female stories are weaved together, rather than enhancing the novel they lose some of their intended punch. I do give the author credit for writing about three often-unlikable female characters. At least, I think that she did this on purpose. (Spoiler: The tale has an open ending, but hints that the women will do well in their futures), which is usually the case in women’s fiction. Women's fiction can be done well as it taps into the hopes, fears, and dreams of women today. However, in this novel with its many themes it comes off as excessive, exhausting, and sometimes silly. This is a shame Wayne is clearly a talented author and I would read her again. I found “To Dare” to be a decent read that with some editing could have been a very good book.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.instagram.com/martie6947/
https://www.pinterest.com/martienreco…\
https://www.amazon.com/
https://twitter.com/NeesRecord
September 27, 2020
Extremely well written and insightful story revolving around low life violent neighbors Simone and Terry, who make life hell for the affluent newcomers who have moved next door. Veronica and her husband George have fertility problems and depression has affected Veronica's judgment causing her to refer back to her childhood and the way she focused on undermining her childhood friend Sarah so she could feel superior. As a teacher in a local school she meets up with her friend Sarah she now has two children and Veronica is now Sarah’s daughter’s teacher and is in a position to carry on with her abuse through her child.
July 7, 2020
To dare.
Before I start, you should be warned that this book should come with trigger warnings. Lots of them. It tackles abusive relationships, rape, child neglect, drug abuse, alcoholism, miscarriage, sexual harassment…you name it, it’s probably got it.
It follows the intertwined lives of three women. Simone lives in Primrose Hill with her abusive husband. Veronica, a school teacher who is desperate for a child, has just moved in next door. Her dream home quickly descends into a nightmare with her noise next door neighbours. And then there’s Sarah. Parent to one of Veronica’s students and childhood friend.
Once I got past the initial shock of the serious issues that are in this novel, I really got into it. It’s a dark twisty tale that connects all three women together. It’s a real slow burner with everything coming to a head at the end. Interestingly, throughout the novel I didn’t actually find any of the women likeable. However, in the last 25% or so I was surprised to find myself really quite invested in their individual plot lines and wanting a positive outcome for them. This novel is really well written and deals with challenging issues really sensitively. It’s well worth a read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.
Before I start, you should be warned that this book should come with trigger warnings. Lots of them. It tackles abusive relationships, rape, child neglect, drug abuse, alcoholism, miscarriage, sexual harassment…you name it, it’s probably got it.
It follows the intertwined lives of three women. Simone lives in Primrose Hill with her abusive husband. Veronica, a school teacher who is desperate for a child, has just moved in next door. Her dream home quickly descends into a nightmare with her noise next door neighbours. And then there’s Sarah. Parent to one of Veronica’s students and childhood friend.
Once I got past the initial shock of the serious issues that are in this novel, I really got into it. It’s a dark twisty tale that connects all three women together. It’s a real slow burner with everything coming to a head at the end. Interestingly, throughout the novel I didn’t actually find any of the women likeable. However, in the last 25% or so I was surprised to find myself really quite invested in their individual plot lines and wanting a positive outcome for them. This novel is really well written and deals with challenging issues really sensitively. It’s well worth a read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.
June 16, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Legend Press for the arc of To Dare by Jemma Wayne.
Thanks to Jemma Wayne for writing this emotional thriller.
This is told between 3 perspectives of 3 women, Simone whom is physically and emotionally abused woman who has two children, Sarah who's job is as a lawyer is friends with Veronica who the other perspective is, Sarah is also very happily married and also has 2 children, then there is Veronica who is also happily married but is very desperate to have a baby, she works as a teacher and former bully.
This has some triggers of abusive relationships, rape, domestic violence, mental abuse, child abuse, child neglect, drug abuse, alcoholism, miscarriage, death, sexual harassment, drugging of others,
This was a very emotional book, but was a great psychological thriller was a little confusing at first then all the characters merged together then it really pulls you into the story and gets really interesting.
Well done for a portrayal of serious issues was done in a sensible way so well done for that Jemma Wayne.
Definitely recommend
5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to Jemma Wayne for writing this emotional thriller.
This is told between 3 perspectives of 3 women, Simone whom is physically and emotionally abused woman who has two children, Sarah who's job is as a lawyer is friends with Veronica who the other perspective is, Sarah is also very happily married and also has 2 children, then there is Veronica who is also happily married but is very desperate to have a baby, she works as a teacher and former bully.
This has some triggers of abusive relationships, rape, domestic violence, mental abuse, child abuse, child neglect, drug abuse, alcoholism, miscarriage, death, sexual harassment, drugging of others,
This was a very emotional book, but was a great psychological thriller was a little confusing at first then all the characters merged together then it really pulls you into the story and gets really interesting.
Well done for a portrayal of serious issues was done in a sensible way so well done for that Jemma Wayne.
Definitely recommend
5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 25, 2020
All the way through this book I was thinking I would be rating it as a solid 3.5 stars but the ending was so unexpected and just what this book needed that I had to boost it up to a 4 - I don’t know how I was expecting this book to end but I was so surprised (pleasantly!) by the ending of this one.
I loved the character development of both Veronica and Simone throughout this story and how they’re both going through their own versions of trauma - domestic abuse for one and the grieving of a family yet to happen for the other.
I liked the way that there was a lot of background story so we were able to really picture how these characters had got to the places that they had and also how they ended up where they did.
I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend - the only thing that stopped it being 5 stars is I’d have liked things to have a felt a little more tense, but that’s a personal preference and not a criticism of the book or author!
I loved the character development of both Veronica and Simone throughout this story and how they’re both going through their own versions of trauma - domestic abuse for one and the grieving of a family yet to happen for the other.
I liked the way that there was a lot of background story so we were able to really picture how these characters had got to the places that they had and also how they ended up where they did.
I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend - the only thing that stopped it being 5 stars is I’d have liked things to have a felt a little more tense, but that’s a personal preference and not a criticism of the book or author!
August 1, 2020
A 5 star book with a very poor ending!...tricky
July 13, 2020
Veronica Reddington and her husband, George have just moved into their new Victorian house in Primrose Hill, London. Living next door, Simone is trying to cope with her two children and her manipulative fella, Terry. When Veronica’s childhood friend, Sarah, re-enters her life, memories of their old friendship start to surface...
The reader is gripped very quickly by the compelling lives of these three women. Each character is superbly drawn by Jemma Wayne but although they were all sparse in the likeability department, this served to enhance the story, at least for me. Incorporating some really deep topics such as domestic violence, substance abuse, miscarriage and childhood trauma, To Dare really packed a punch. An intense, fiendishly good read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Legend Press via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
The reader is gripped very quickly by the compelling lives of these three women. Each character is superbly drawn by Jemma Wayne but although they were all sparse in the likeability department, this served to enhance the story, at least for me. Incorporating some really deep topics such as domestic violence, substance abuse, miscarriage and childhood trauma, To Dare really packed a punch. An intense, fiendishly good read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Legend Press via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
December 13, 2020
To Dare is a dense multi-layered story about three women who connect with each other through a common point. I’m not sure how to review the story! It was hard to get into the plot and like the characters, but the story gave me a lot of strong emotions towards the end which made me care for Veronica, Simone and Sarah. The writing of this woman’s fiction reads suchlike a thriller! 3.75/5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley & Legend press for the arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you Netgalley & Legend press for the arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 14, 2020
The book jumps between the perspectives of three women: Simone (a physically and emotionally abused woman with two children,) Veronica (a teacher, a former (?) bully, and a newlywed who desperately wants a child,) and Sarah (a lawyer and former friend of Veronica who is now happily married and has two children.)
The middle of the book as the suspense was building was the best part. I thought it was interesting to see how each character's current outcome was so heavily defined by their teenage years, and jumping in timeline usually made sense (although every once in a while was confusing since it wasn't clear when everything was happening.)
The beginning of the book is a bit slow and complicated, which makes it harder to get into than some other psychological thrillers that are out there.
In a really good thriller, you want to be hooked from the first page, and I found the whole first chapter confusing. There's also a fair amount of background that comes to light early on in order to make the rest of it make sense, and you just need to get through it. Eventually, though, the book picks up speed and gets more interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the arc of this book. It has not influenced my review.
The middle of the book as the suspense was building was the best part. I thought it was interesting to see how each character's current outcome was so heavily defined by their teenage years, and jumping in timeline usually made sense (although every once in a while was confusing since it wasn't clear when everything was happening.)
The beginning of the book is a bit slow and complicated, which makes it harder to get into than some other psychological thrillers that are out there.
In a really good thriller, you want to be hooked from the first page, and I found the whole first chapter confusing. There's also a fair amount of background that comes to light early on in order to make the rest of it make sense, and you just need to get through it. Eventually, though, the book picks up speed and gets more interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the arc of this book. It has not influenced my review.
April 1, 2020
Super heavy, lots of trigger warnings: rape, domestic violence, mental abuse, child abuse, child neglect, drug abuse, alcoholism, miscarriage, death, sexual harassment, drugging of others.
• lots of unlikeable characters, thought Sarah was okay until the ending.
• had to absorb this in small doses because the domestic violence story arc left me so angry all the time.
• mental abuse and physical abuse takes place not only between a married couple but also within a platonic friendship.
Overall, not something I would actively seek out if I was fully aware of the contents of the novel, but what you get is really an insightful novel that shares the warning signs, how domestic abuse — or any type of abuse — can appear to be harmless.
The moments where the friendships and loyalties shine through were easier to get through for me and, therefore, I appreciated them more. Definitely a harrowing read but not at all tedious.
• lots of unlikeable characters, thought Sarah was okay until the ending.
• had to absorb this in small doses because the domestic violence story arc left me so angry all the time.
• mental abuse and physical abuse takes place not only between a married couple but also within a platonic friendship.
Overall, not something I would actively seek out if I was fully aware of the contents of the novel, but what you get is really an insightful novel that shares the warning signs, how domestic abuse — or any type of abuse — can appear to be harmless.
The moments where the friendships and loyalties shine through were easier to get through for me and, therefore, I appreciated them more. Definitely a harrowing read but not at all tedious.
July 13, 2020
Three different women, Veronica - a teacher, Simone - Veronica’s neighbour and an addict and Sarah- Veronica’s childhood friend and her daughter is in Veronica’s class. All three women fighting their own battles.
This book is quite heavy with abuse, rape, miscarriage and domestic violence but ultimately the three women’s story will cross paths.
I really wanted to love this but I found it very hard going. I know this will be a minority view as there’s fantastic reviews for it but I didn’t really connect with the characters and felt slightly bored at points.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This book is quite heavy with abuse, rape, miscarriage and domestic violence but ultimately the three women’s story will cross paths.
I really wanted to love this but I found it very hard going. I know this will be a minority view as there’s fantastic reviews for it but I didn’t really connect with the characters and felt slightly bored at points.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 15, 2020
This is the sort of book that it would feel wrong to say you enjoyed, as it is really quite a heavy and intense story of three women touching on the difficult subjects of rape, domestic violence, substance misuse and miscarriage, but it is in all honesty a very good book. I think the author portrays the difficult storylines in a very real and raw way and there is definitely no attempt to romanticise these issues which is what makes this such a compelling read. The intensity and speed of this book picks up pace in the last quarter as you feel yourself spirally towards its inevitable end when all three women’s stories weave perfectly together.
Veronica is starting the next stage of her seemingly perfect life with her husband George as they move into their newly refurbished home but underneath the surface they are both recovering from a recent trauma. Next door lives Simone, trapped inside a relationship with her controlling partner Terry, struggling to bring up her two kids. And then along comes Sarah, a childhood friend of Veronica’s, which brings back painful memories for both them which threaten to reignite into their present.
Veronica is starting the next stage of her seemingly perfect life with her husband George as they move into their newly refurbished home but underneath the surface they are both recovering from a recent trauma. Next door lives Simone, trapped inside a relationship with her controlling partner Terry, struggling to bring up her two kids. And then along comes Sarah, a childhood friend of Veronica’s, which brings back painful memories for both them which threaten to reignite into their present.
September 13, 2020
The book switches between the perspectives of three different women who are each battling with their own emotional issues.
Simone, mother of two living with her abusive husband. Veronica the school teacher is Simone’s neighbour, has just moved in next door with her husband. She is desperate to have a baby. Sarah, the lawyer and Veronica’s childhood friend is a married mother of two, one of which is a student of Veronica’s.
Their lives although very different weave together in an absorbing way and while the story is a bit of a slow burn but this was needed for the character development and background story of how these woman got to where they are.
A suspenseful and tense, well written story with intriguing characters that made me want to keep reading to find out their stories and how it was all going to end!
Simone, mother of two living with her abusive husband. Veronica the school teacher is Simone’s neighbour, has just moved in next door with her husband. She is desperate to have a baby. Sarah, the lawyer and Veronica’s childhood friend is a married mother of two, one of which is a student of Veronica’s.
Their lives although very different weave together in an absorbing way and while the story is a bit of a slow burn but this was needed for the character development and background story of how these woman got to where they are.
A suspenseful and tense, well written story with intriguing characters that made me want to keep reading to find out their stories and how it was all going to end!
July 15, 2020
Veronica and her wealthy husband George are unpacking boxes, hoping a fresh start will help them heal from recent trauma.
Next door, Simone returns to her neglected council flat. Miserable and trapped with a very controlling husband Terry.
When childhood friend Sarah enters Veronica’s life, things are thrown even further off balance!
I enjoyed this one, I found the characters very relatable. I really felt for Simone, married to a very controlling man and had to be strong for her and her children. This book is very tense and dark and definitely keeps you guessing from each chapter. The chapters go from one character to another which I really liked. The only slight down side for me was that some of the chapters were quite long and made it harder to pick up.
Next door, Simone returns to her neglected council flat. Miserable and trapped with a very controlling husband Terry.
When childhood friend Sarah enters Veronica’s life, things are thrown even further off balance!
I enjoyed this one, I found the characters very relatable. I really felt for Simone, married to a very controlling man and had to be strong for her and her children. This book is very tense and dark and definitely keeps you guessing from each chapter. The chapters go from one character to another which I really liked. The only slight down side for me was that some of the chapters were quite long and made it harder to pick up.
July 9, 2020
To Dare follows the lives of three woman, two of whom are connected by a childhood friendship and one who appears to just be a neighbour.
Al the characters felt believable and well developed despite not one of them being likeable and this book hit on some really deep topics such as domestic violence, substance abuse, miscarriage and childhood trauma.
This was a really slow burn thriller that put everything into building the characters up for an intense final few chapters and I think it’s going to be a big hit but I just wasn’t in the right place for it.
Thank you to legendpress for my gifted copy in exchange for review.
Al the characters felt believable and well developed despite not one of them being likeable and this book hit on some really deep topics such as domestic violence, substance abuse, miscarriage and childhood trauma.
This was a really slow burn thriller that put everything into building the characters up for an intense final few chapters and I think it’s going to be a big hit but I just wasn’t in the right place for it.
Thank you to legendpress for my gifted copy in exchange for review.
March 30, 2024
Oooh I can’t decide if I hated this or liked it. I spent most of the time reading this book with a sick feeling in my stomach, and I can’t say it was gone when I finished. I found it slow to get into (although recognize the detail put into the history of these characters) and I didn’t relate or invest in any of the characters. The writing was excellent, making me feel so much of the negative aspects of what the characters were feeling, but I couldn’t connect with the characters and despite the author’s clear talent in writing, I can’t say I enjoyed this book… 🤷🏻♀️
July 3, 2020
This is my book of the year - by far. I can’t stop thinking about it. To Dare is a complex novel with fascinating characters and a storyline which is utterly compelling. Riveting doesn’t even begin to describe it. And yet everything in it could happen to every single one of us.
Simone hasn’t had an easy life, and finds herself the victim of a controlling partner. She loves her children but isn’t strong enough to give them the protection they need. It makes for excruciating reading.
Sarah is a successful lawyer with a strong and happy marriage, but the control and respect she commands in court is miles away from the lack of confidence she feels inside. A summer back in her teenage years continues to haunt her.
Veronica would seem to have it all with her loving husband and brand new home - but there is something missing. And it is going to consume her.
Inevitably all three women are linked, and their situations clash. As Simone struggles to find the courage to deal with her home situation, the other two women find themselves in a different struggle for control. Does Veronica’s command simply reflect a strong personality - or something more sinister? Is Sarah over-reacting to long-ago teenage teasing, or was she manipulated in an almost evil way? ‘Just what did that trivial comment mean?’ ‘Was it really that barbed?’ ‘Or am I over-reacting?’ We’ve all probably asked ourselves the same questions at one time or other.
It was hard not to read the book in one go, it’s that good, but it’s also a tough read because it squeezes your own emotions in the telling (be in a good place, head-wise, before you start!). I loved it - thanks to Jemma Wayne, and to Legend Press for sending me an e-copy to review.
Simone hasn’t had an easy life, and finds herself the victim of a controlling partner. She loves her children but isn’t strong enough to give them the protection they need. It makes for excruciating reading.
Sarah is a successful lawyer with a strong and happy marriage, but the control and respect she commands in court is miles away from the lack of confidence she feels inside. A summer back in her teenage years continues to haunt her.
Veronica would seem to have it all with her loving husband and brand new home - but there is something missing. And it is going to consume her.
Inevitably all three women are linked, and their situations clash. As Simone struggles to find the courage to deal with her home situation, the other two women find themselves in a different struggle for control. Does Veronica’s command simply reflect a strong personality - or something more sinister? Is Sarah over-reacting to long-ago teenage teasing, or was she manipulated in an almost evil way? ‘Just what did that trivial comment mean?’ ‘Was it really that barbed?’ ‘Or am I over-reacting?’ We’ve all probably asked ourselves the same questions at one time or other.
It was hard not to read the book in one go, it’s that good, but it’s also a tough read because it squeezes your own emotions in the telling (be in a good place, head-wise, before you start!). I loved it - thanks to Jemma Wayne, and to Legend Press for sending me an e-copy to review.
November 18, 2020
4.5 stars
very dark, almost depressing in it's realism. good characters and a sense of tension throughout. really enjoyed this one and the writing was beautiful
very dark, almost depressing in it's realism. good characters and a sense of tension throughout. really enjoyed this one and the writing was beautiful
July 12, 2020
This is my first but certainly not my last read by this author.
Three women, three different personalities, three lives entwined. You need to go into this blind so I’m not going to rehash the story.
I felt the storyline was well thought out and put together. It’s not a light read so be warned.
The topics are heavy reading but I do believe stories with topics like this need to be told. Having said that I inhaled this story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Three women, three different personalities, three lives entwined. You need to go into this blind so I’m not going to rehash the story.
I felt the storyline was well thought out and put together. It’s not a light read so be warned.
The topics are heavy reading but I do believe stories with topics like this need to be told. Having said that I inhaled this story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
July 30, 2020
I'll start by saying that Jemma Wayne has achieved a very well developed book with detailed backstories for each of the main characters in this book. A very talented writer, Jemma Wayne's plot development is to be admired. 3 very different characters, with very different backgrounds are brought together in To Dare with traumatic, devastating results. Jemma Wayne has given us detailed and at times graphic accounts of the womens' lives and how they have grown into the women they are now.
Unfortunately, this was far too heavy a read for me. I didn't really like any of the characters and found it hard to really invest myself in the story. While there are already reviews that warn you of the plotlines within this book, I underestimated just how dark and heavy this book would be and from the off, found it quite difficult to get into.
Quite often when reviewing books I ask myself what is my main focus when choosing a rating; is it the writing, the plot development, the characters or something else? For me, there is no doubting that this book is well written however it came down to enjoyability and I just didn't enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jemma Wayne and Legend Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this was far too heavy a read for me. I didn't really like any of the characters and found it hard to really invest myself in the story. While there are already reviews that warn you of the plotlines within this book, I underestimated just how dark and heavy this book would be and from the off, found it quite difficult to get into.
Quite often when reviewing books I ask myself what is my main focus when choosing a rating; is it the writing, the plot development, the characters or something else? For me, there is no doubting that this book is well written however it came down to enjoyability and I just didn't enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jemma Wayne and Legend Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2020
*word of caution - this book is heavy with abuse, miscarriage, drug abuse, domestic violence and rape/sexual abuse *
I so badly wanted to love this book, the synopsis was right up my street and was really looking forward to getting stuck in.... sadly I was disappointed.
Once again I'll be in the minority with this review as all the others are 4-5* but I think the main reason is that I just didn't feel any connection with any of the characters which is a massive negative for me. I just could not engage with it at all.
Written from the POVs of three women who all lead incredibly different lives and fighting their own battles and demons, they all eventually intertwine with each other.
In all honesty I did feel bored at times, it was real hard going and i found my mind wandering and eyes glazing over.. I think maybe it was more the subject matter that didn't click with me because I did enjoy the authors writing style.
Unfortunately it just wasnt for me!
2*
Thanks to netgalley and Legend Press for the ARC.
I so badly wanted to love this book, the synopsis was right up my street and was really looking forward to getting stuck in.... sadly I was disappointed.
Once again I'll be in the minority with this review as all the others are 4-5* but I think the main reason is that I just didn't feel any connection with any of the characters which is a massive negative for me. I just could not engage with it at all.
Written from the POVs of three women who all lead incredibly different lives and fighting their own battles and demons, they all eventually intertwine with each other.
In all honesty I did feel bored at times, it was real hard going and i found my mind wandering and eyes glazing over.. I think maybe it was more the subject matter that didn't click with me because I did enjoy the authors writing style.
Unfortunately it just wasnt for me!
2*
Thanks to netgalley and Legend Press for the ARC.
April 8, 2021
This book tells us the stories of three women: Veronica, Simone and Sarah.
Veronica and Simone are both at turning points in their lives, albeit very different ones. Veronica has just moved into her dream house, in a dream neighbourhood, with her wealthy estranged husband.
Simone is the next door neighbour, in an abusive relationship with a school-aged boy and a baby girl. The first thing that puzzled me was how Simone and her partner could afford to live there and the explanation provided did not satisfy me.
Sarah enters the picture because her daughter turns out to be in Veronica’s second grade class. And Sarah and Veronica were childhood best friends. Sort of.
These three women have been through losses and trauma and substance abuse and they need to dare (hence the title) to move forward and put the past behind them.
I did enjoy reading the book, though only the character Sarah resonated with me. Yes, I could empathise with certain things in both Simone and Veronica, but on the whole I “didn’t like” them very much.
Veronica and Simone are both at turning points in their lives, albeit very different ones. Veronica has just moved into her dream house, in a dream neighbourhood, with her wealthy estranged husband.
Simone is the next door neighbour, in an abusive relationship with a school-aged boy and a baby girl. The first thing that puzzled me was how Simone and her partner could afford to live there and the explanation provided did not satisfy me.
Sarah enters the picture because her daughter turns out to be in Veronica’s second grade class. And Sarah and Veronica were childhood best friends. Sort of.
These three women have been through losses and trauma and substance abuse and they need to dare (hence the title) to move forward and put the past behind them.
I did enjoy reading the book, though only the character Sarah resonated with me. Yes, I could empathise with certain things in both Simone and Veronica, but on the whole I “didn’t like” them very much.
Read
November 5, 2021To Dare by Jemma Wayne
As I read it
by Nguyen Xuan
Never had Veronica expected, when she moved to her beautiful house in Primrose Hill and started teaching again, that she would have Sarah’s daughter Amelia in her class. She last saw Sarah twenty- two years earlier, when they were twelve years old.
Veronica had started teaching in Kenya after she visited a school in one of Nairobi’s slums, quitting a successful career in celebrity PR, and Sarah had become in a decade one of the UK’s fastest rising barristers.
Veronica could barely remember the name of any other girls from that year but Sarah was special since they were best friends- BF forever in Veronica’s wording. That was therefore with utmost disappointment that she realized Sarah only warily of not reluctantly accepted her invitation to dinner, and her dismay was total when in the aftermath of the dinner party Sarah’s husband David bluntly told her Sarah would rather not see her again for the time being.
Sarah was not Veronica’s only concern. Another cause for alarm was her and George’s next-door neighbors. While Simone seemed to be a nice, decent woman, her husband Terry was obviously a madman and a wife-beater even though they obviously were very much in love with each other.
He clearly was a danger to his family and to their neighbors too. Alerting the police was what they had to do but they feared probable reprisals.
Ambiguity had always been present in the relationship between the two friends. As a young girl “Sarah had been so infatuated with Veronica” that she wondered if that “was normal for girls at that age.” “When Veronica was looking at you, listening to you, loving you, you felt queen of the world, but you were not queen, because she was queen.”That Veronica had not changed with time. “She had the money, and the looks, and she knew that. People thought her bold and assured, more so than Sarah.”
But the real Veronica was not that way. “[N]ext to her friend, she always knew she was lacking.” For instance she had “never had but always longed for siblings and as a child, nurtured the fantasy of an extended family … whose parents never worked … and were still there in the evening when the lights were out.”
That family she fancied she found in the summer of Year 7 when her parents were abroad for a long period for her father’s work and she was allowed to stay for three weeks with Sarah and her family. But while she thoroughly enjoyed having Sarah and her elder sister as the siblings she dreamed of, Sarah deeply resented her intrusion and “the way her friend’s powerful tentacles wrapped themselves around her family.”
Yet the most devastating thing was the last day of her stay, when Sarah found herself locked in in the most secluded and tiniest room of a pool house without any lights for a long night of terror, and came to believe that the culprit was Veronica and that she had acted purposefully.
When she later developed morbid claustrophobia and fear of travelling underground, which caused her sister to drive her car to come to her rescue, killing herself accidentally, Sarah blamed her death on Veronica too.
That was why “[w]hen she’d seen her at Amelia’s school that Monday … she was wholly unprepared for the jolt, and for the entire drive home, she hadn’t heard a thing that Amelia had said to her.”
Veronica was taken aback but not for long. Part of her was a “fixer”, “good at ushering the world before [her].” She could not resign herself to let go her BFF. Unknowingly resorting to games they used to play in the long gone past, she worked out a complicated plan around some Amelia’s imaginary misbehavior. As Sarah responded in kind, she was found lying half-naked on a sofa in sedatives-induced semicomatose and alone in her own home, believed to have been raped by her unhinged and intoxicated neighbor.
An STD test proved negative and when later a pregnancy test was positive, Veronica and George resolved to keep the rape a secret since they had always wanted a child and George’s sperm count was low. Until it was determined that no sex occurred as far as Veronica was concerned and it appeared that Terry after all was not a rapist and his family was safe at last.
In the end, Amelia went up to Junior school with no problem - and met Miss Simone, the new Year 2 teaching assistant.
As I read it
by Nguyen Xuan
Never had Veronica expected, when she moved to her beautiful house in Primrose Hill and started teaching again, that she would have Sarah’s daughter Amelia in her class. She last saw Sarah twenty- two years earlier, when they were twelve years old.
Veronica had started teaching in Kenya after she visited a school in one of Nairobi’s slums, quitting a successful career in celebrity PR, and Sarah had become in a decade one of the UK’s fastest rising barristers.
Veronica could barely remember the name of any other girls from that year but Sarah was special since they were best friends- BF forever in Veronica’s wording. That was therefore with utmost disappointment that she realized Sarah only warily of not reluctantly accepted her invitation to dinner, and her dismay was total when in the aftermath of the dinner party Sarah’s husband David bluntly told her Sarah would rather not see her again for the time being.
Sarah was not Veronica’s only concern. Another cause for alarm was her and George’s next-door neighbors. While Simone seemed to be a nice, decent woman, her husband Terry was obviously a madman and a wife-beater even though they obviously were very much in love with each other.
He clearly was a danger to his family and to their neighbors too. Alerting the police was what they had to do but they feared probable reprisals.
Ambiguity had always been present in the relationship between the two friends. As a young girl “Sarah had been so infatuated with Veronica” that she wondered if that “was normal for girls at that age.” “When Veronica was looking at you, listening to you, loving you, you felt queen of the world, but you were not queen, because she was queen.”That Veronica had not changed with time. “She had the money, and the looks, and she knew that. People thought her bold and assured, more so than Sarah.”
But the real Veronica was not that way. “[N]ext to her friend, she always knew she was lacking.” For instance she had “never had but always longed for siblings and as a child, nurtured the fantasy of an extended family … whose parents never worked … and were still there in the evening when the lights were out.”
That family she fancied she found in the summer of Year 7 when her parents were abroad for a long period for her father’s work and she was allowed to stay for three weeks with Sarah and her family. But while she thoroughly enjoyed having Sarah and her elder sister as the siblings she dreamed of, Sarah deeply resented her intrusion and “the way her friend’s powerful tentacles wrapped themselves around her family.”
Yet the most devastating thing was the last day of her stay, when Sarah found herself locked in in the most secluded and tiniest room of a pool house without any lights for a long night of terror, and came to believe that the culprit was Veronica and that she had acted purposefully.
When she later developed morbid claustrophobia and fear of travelling underground, which caused her sister to drive her car to come to her rescue, killing herself accidentally, Sarah blamed her death on Veronica too.
That was why “[w]hen she’d seen her at Amelia’s school that Monday … she was wholly unprepared for the jolt, and for the entire drive home, she hadn’t heard a thing that Amelia had said to her.”
Veronica was taken aback but not for long. Part of her was a “fixer”, “good at ushering the world before [her].” She could not resign herself to let go her BFF. Unknowingly resorting to games they used to play in the long gone past, she worked out a complicated plan around some Amelia’s imaginary misbehavior. As Sarah responded in kind, she was found lying half-naked on a sofa in sedatives-induced semicomatose and alone in her own home, believed to have been raped by her unhinged and intoxicated neighbor.
An STD test proved negative and when later a pregnancy test was positive, Veronica and George resolved to keep the rape a secret since they had always wanted a child and George’s sperm count was low. Until it was determined that no sex occurred as far as Veronica was concerned and it appeared that Terry after all was not a rapist and his family was safe at last.
In the end, Amelia went up to Junior school with no problem - and met Miss Simone, the new Year 2 teaching assistant.
July 3, 2020
The novel is told from the perspective of three women. Veronica and her husband George move into their newly remodelled home. They are a successful couple who have everything they want, except a child. Their dream home proves to be less than a total dream when they are assailed nightly by noise from their neighbours, Simone and Terry. Simone is trapped in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship but cannot extricate herself and her two children from Terry’s control. The third woman is Sarah who was friends with Veronica when they were young girls; however, Veronica’s memories of that friendship are much more positive than Sarah’s.
None of the three women is totally likeable. Veronica is emotionally manipulative; she can feel good about herself only if she makes others feel worse. Simone allows Terry to not only abuse her but her son as well and she does nothing to intervene. Sarah suffers from low self-esteem and at one point sets out to take revenge on the person she holds responsible for her lack of confidence.
What saves the book is that, despite their flaws, the women still earn some of our compassion. They are all very much products of their upbringing. Veronica, for instance, was neglected by her parents. Feeling unloved and jealous of Sarah who has the love of a stable family, Veronica works at undermining Sarah. Her behaviour is not commendable, but it is understandable.
What is admirable about the women is that they show themselves capable of changing. They recognize their demons and acknowledge their own mistakes. Simone, for example, admits that she may not have tried to see things from her parents’ point of view: “Perhaps her own parents had imagined that what they were doing was some kind of protection too.” Now, as a parent, she realizes poor decisions she has made and dares to change things.
The book begins slowly, but the pace does pick up and the suspense builds up. Danger becomes a constant element. Terry is an obvious threat to Simone but also to his neighbours, but then so is a woman who seeks vengeance for wrongs committed against her.
This not a light-hearted read because it includes emotional manipulation, physical threats, rape, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and alcohol and drug abuse. It is the portrayal of the effects of Terry’s emotional and physical abuse on Simone that struck me as particularly realistic. Interestingly, Terry and Veronica are very different, but they also employ the same basic techniques to feel powerful.
This is an intense read which slowly draws in readers by developing complex characters and ramping up the tension. It also inspires us to ask how our own presents are defined by our pasts. What we must do is to dare to move beyond those pasts.
Note: I received a digital galley from the publisher.
Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).
None of the three women is totally likeable. Veronica is emotionally manipulative; she can feel good about herself only if she makes others feel worse. Simone allows Terry to not only abuse her but her son as well and she does nothing to intervene. Sarah suffers from low self-esteem and at one point sets out to take revenge on the person she holds responsible for her lack of confidence.
What saves the book is that, despite their flaws, the women still earn some of our compassion. They are all very much products of their upbringing. Veronica, for instance, was neglected by her parents. Feeling unloved and jealous of Sarah who has the love of a stable family, Veronica works at undermining Sarah. Her behaviour is not commendable, but it is understandable.
What is admirable about the women is that they show themselves capable of changing. They recognize their demons and acknowledge their own mistakes. Simone, for example, admits that she may not have tried to see things from her parents’ point of view: “Perhaps her own parents had imagined that what they were doing was some kind of protection too.” Now, as a parent, she realizes poor decisions she has made and dares to change things.
The book begins slowly, but the pace does pick up and the suspense builds up. Danger becomes a constant element. Terry is an obvious threat to Simone but also to his neighbours, but then so is a woman who seeks vengeance for wrongs committed against her.
This not a light-hearted read because it includes emotional manipulation, physical threats, rape, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and alcohol and drug abuse. It is the portrayal of the effects of Terry’s emotional and physical abuse on Simone that struck me as particularly realistic. Interestingly, Terry and Veronica are very different, but they also employ the same basic techniques to feel powerful.
This is an intense read which slowly draws in readers by developing complex characters and ramping up the tension. It also inspires us to ask how our own presents are defined by our pasts. What we must do is to dare to move beyond those pasts.
Note: I received a digital galley from the publisher.
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