Irish Readers discussion

Disclaimer: I'm not a huge thriller fan. I've only discovered this over the last couple of years. I always find the build-up much more promising than the actual pay off. And I often find the twists and turns too convoluted. I usually prefer a bit more realism and authenticity. Not always, but usually. Before I go to Sleep wasn't exactly a full-on thriller, it was nicely toned down, but all too often I found myself wondering "Why didn't she just do this... or why didn't she just think that...".

I thought it was quite good in parts but I can remember at one point starting to get really bored and wishing it would end, but soon after it really picked up pace and started to go all 'thrillery'. And it was a good change of pace.

I've actually a particular interest in memory. Chrissie had a lot in common with a real life case known as J.P. However J.P. wore a medical bracelet to inform himself and others of his condition. Chrissie, conveniently, did not. Just one of my "Why didn't she just..."

So my verdict is: Pretty good. Enjoyable enough. Better written than other thrillers I've read but a bit still lacking a bit in plausibility which I found distracting. I gave it three stars.

I must confess I've not got a copy of this book yet, have had my name down on the library waiting list for ages, might just have to buy a copy.

I got myself a copy of this book at the start of this month and completed it within a day!

In general, I am a huge fan of thrillers, which was the reason why I voted for this book in the first place; however, as John stated, the thriller aspect is toned down; so although it may be good for some, this was disappointing for me.

The build-up of this novel was 'good'. The idea behind the book itself didn't seem that original (please don't shoot me for saying that this book seemed to be inspired by that movie '50 First Dates').

The repetition of events is one of my biggest criticism, and obviously, the repetition was intentional due the nature of this novel : memory loss.

My second criticism was the finale - I just saw it coming! I knew who the villain was within the first few chapters, and I felt the story lacked that "Woah" factor. It felt like a soap opera, and that's not good.

On the plus side, the author did a fabulous job in character-work! I just loved the characters! And I couldn't help but feel sorry for Christine... I just felt her frustration and emotions! And this was the reason why I didn't abandon the book. I felt like I was in her head! That I was like her - that I was Christine! And not many authors can do that to me!

Based on these, I'd give the book 2.5 out of 5 stars!

Hey Kevin. I still suspect that I'm yet to read a good intelligent unpredictable thriller. Any favourites to recommend?

Well, John. I'm more of a horror fan; therefore, anything I recommend may maintain some aspects of the horror genre. So authors like Stephen King, Dean Koontz(preferably their earlier work) and Thomas Harris are right up my alley.

Obviously, Before I Sleep isn't in this category. I was half expecting something more along the lines of a psychological thriller; however, it really does have a softer tone compared to the generic thrillers/horrors/mysteries I've read. This may be a good thing for some readers, but not so much for me :D

I used to read a hell of a lot of Stephen King a long time ago. A few by koontz too. Haven't read anything like that in a while now.

The last Harris I read was Hannibal which was good, but not quite as good as the previous two in the series, which were just brilliant.

***SPOILER ALERT***

I've waited to add my comments even though I finished this book even before it was chosen. I have to say I loved it, gave it 5 stars, and maybe the difference in perspective is because I'm a woman. I'd be interested to see if this plays out as correct or not. The only criticisms I've read anywhere have been from men. So, here's what I thought....

I too love thrillers and mystery, although not as much current horror (Koontz, King, etc.). I think the author did a remarkable job writing as though he was a woman who kept loosing her memories. I felt something was off from the beginning as I think any reader would. But I didn't guess the ending. I kept thinking there was something wrong with her husband and that he had abused her - not some stranger. When I discovered what the true ending was, I just kept thinking what if this was real? What if you had been almost killed, and then that was the person who had taken you home from the mental hospital and taken care of you each day? No wonder you'd not want to remember anything. This is the reason I think a woman might have a different perspective. The truth of the story was just horrifying to me.

That said, I think the author is someone to watch. However, he wrote this book in a writing retreat with a lot of help. His book has gotten a lot of attention and been optioned for a film. He's got a lot to live up to with his next book. I wonder if he'll succeed?

Just a note to those of you looking for a new author - you may want to check out "The Keeper of Lost Causes" by Jussi Adler-Olsen. It's an intelligent mystery with a horrible crime. You'll know mostly what's going on about halfway through, and you'll probably figure out who's behind it. But the characters are great, and it's a very unique crime despite minimal bloodshed. If anyone else reads it, I'd love to hear what you think.

Funny thing is, I didn't look up the author and assumed it was a female writer.

I just clicked through to the author now and he seems to be fairly active on Goodreads. Here's an interesting response to a critique of the book: http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_... .

I did not know that happens. (Some words get translated for Americans). I know movie/book titles change some times but did not know they changed a chunk of words too. Seems very silly too me. If I was reading an American novel I'd find it very odd for them to say nappies instead of diapers.

Will check out Adler-Olsen.

Interesting comment and response. I didn't even think of any of that while I was reading it, although you're right - I'd have noticed nappies, etc. but only if it was an American character. So I guess the original comment has a point.

Thanks for sharing!

Not finished yet. Was getting a bit bored but now am up to page 228 and the introduction of Claire has made it pick up a bit of pace.

Finally finished.

Was getting a bit bored then halfway it picked up speed and I could really feel the tension building.

I could understand her paranoia, who to trust and who not to trust, and the explanations for the lying was very plausible.

I think it would make a really good film especially if it was shot in black and white film noir style. Shame Alfred Hitchcock isn’t alive I think he could work wonders with this.

Enjoyable read and give it 4 out of 5.

Sam,

I agree - Hitchcock could make a great film out of this! I know it's been optioned for a film but don't know who is directing, etc. It will be interested to see how the film turns out if it gets made.

I had the same experience, was a major lull before it started to pick up pace towards the last third.

Finished. I can't say I was ever bored. It did slow down, but I'm one that knows something has to happen and I can't wait to know WHAT it will be. I thought I had figured it out at the half, and did to some degree.
I thought it was a good read, interesting how the mind works. I did wonder at times how she would remember some of the thoughts and things she did when she couldn't remember anything else. No examples come to me on that.
I did like the characters. What a diabolical man Mike was, I wondered about him at times also, but he was very convincing. I think it would make a great movie, especially for those who had not read the book.
Someone said they did not like the ending, I did, I liked the fact that things came together for her after all she'd been through. Although she was not healed, she would have a better chance now that she had her true family and friend around her.