Left me feeling confused?

3.5 stars (based on my understanding of the story)

This is not a negative review, even though it may seem like it, it is more about me and my understanding of this book than a reflection on the author, writing style or the story.

I guess maybe I was expecting something a little different. I enjoyed the story but I think maybe I'm just too "beige" sometimes for Tarryn's writing style. I think maybe I see things in black and white and that makes it hard for me to understand the artsy writing style that leaves a story completely up for interpretation. I never seem to get the story the way others do. I liked the characters but I really couldn't connect with them but I think that is just because they were eclectic and I am not, if that makes sense. I did enjoy the story for the most part but I just don't think I "get" her stories as much as I wish I did. I can see how someone who is a little dark and a little bit of a nonconformist would love this story. I however just don't have the mind set to get more from a story than the actual words say. Yes I know, I'm boring.

Anyways, If you like dark and twisty and you like a book that will make you think the entire time you will love this book!

The narration was different for sure. At first I wasn't a fan but as I got to know the main character more I realized the narrator was perfect for her voice!

17 people found this helpful

Don’t know what happened

Ii read her book The Wives which I loved. This was like a bad Lifetime movie.

3 people found this helpful

Well that was mind f*ckery.

Not sure what who I was rooting for in that book. In the end, I am content with the outcome, but I was really confused what I wanted for Helena mid-book. Lots of twists and turns and some intriguing characters that give you a lot to ponder.
First time listen for Marisa Vitali and I liked her. She did a great job with all the characters. I didn't like when she said "Helena", but I'm not sure if it's because I hated the name for the character or the way she said it, but other than that- all was good.
I would recommend for a listen.

3 people found this helpful

Boring

Don’t waste your time. Nothing happens. Boring story and boring performance. Poorly written novel. Surprised it was even published.

1 person found this helpful

Eh

I enjoyed the beginning of the story. The middle is a lot of push and pull, up and down between the 2 main characters. Then 3/4 of the way through the book, a mysterious unnecessary character is introduced. The ending fell flat. Much better books out there.

1 person found this helpful

Odd

This was an odd and hard to follow story. I found it completely unnecessary to make Della suffer all that she suffered. None of the characters stayed true to their original character traits. Then the cult leader part was just insanely forced and not necessary. Definitely not what I’m use to from this author.

1 person found this helpful

“You shouldn’t have to convince anyone to...."

"You shouldn’t have to convince anyone to choose you. There is no real choice in love.”

I read this on New Years when it came out. It's just taken me this long to formulate a review. I had to take a break and read other books, but this keeps coming back to me and I hope to do this book justice.

Fisher is know her unique writing style, and some may not get her. I believe her writing is interruptive, unique messages for each reader. Some come out with the same feelings and thoughts, while others form different options of her story. Two people can get two totally different views of her work, which it totally fine. We all interrupt things differently.

For me, this is Helena's journey of self discovery. Regardless if it stemmed from a dream that she had of a possible future, and it changed the course of her life. Isn't that what a lot of us do? Dream and imagine a different future? Then we try to make that dream a reality, or we give into the fears of the unknown and give up that dream.

I think it's also a lot about overcoming your fears. She pushes forward, doing things that normally would have scared her. Trying new things, doing things out of her comfort zone and things that the 'old' Helena wouldn't do.

After her dream of having a future with her best friends boyfriend Kit, Helena must now decide what to do about it. She tries to forget the dream, and move on, but it keeps coming back to her. She feels she must now move away and try to discover herself in order to let the dream die. She doesn't want to hurt her best friend and besides, she never thought of Kit that way...until she does.

I really liked this book, and loved watching Helena on her journey of self discovery and trying to overcome her fears, while trying desperately not to hurt the ones she loves. Not your typical story from Fisher and I think she did a fabulous job on it! Although I would have liked to have read more about Kit and Helena's journey instead of just them finally being in love together. I feel a little is missing as in most of the book, they barely knew each other, then Bam, they both realize after years of barely talking or seeing each other, they are in love with each other and want to be together. But, we can't always have every detail of the journey I guess. That is for us to speculate and ponder on. Still worth the read for me.

1 person found this helpful

5 stars!!

This story is such a roller coaster of emotions that is so very fulfilling! Part of my favorite quote is "live barefoot and f*cking fight!"

1 person found this helpful

Worst narration ever.

I couldn’t even finish this book because the narrator was so bad. She reads like a poem and without punctuation. Absolutely awful.

Long walks & True Confessions

"Fuck fear, and fuck Kit, and fuck love. I don’t need any of that muggle shit. "

Who else can write an imperfect woman like Tarryn Can?.... No One!!
She uncovers the innate darker emotions that reside deep inside a woman's heart.
Insane jealousy, envy, pride, fragility, competitiveness, connivance...all are displayed in unabashed glory in every Fisher book .

"Don't make someone burn, and then try to douse the flames with the things you should have done. Those regrets are gasoline not water."

That takes a whole lot of balls and literary courage to admit firstly and then show it to us why women mess up. Much like Helena Conway we unnecessary complicate things that shouldn't be. She dreams a forbidden dream about her best friend, Della's boyfriend, Kit Isley. The overwhelming guilt that comes after drives her to do crazy things like shaking it off in denial. Hiding from her feelings, lying to her best friend, completely trying to ignore Kit.

"In another life, it would have been a beautiful something."

Her heart is in the right, loyal place but her soul craves to be the sacrificial lamb at their altar
She needn't have been though. Kit feels the same tug she does and then Helena does what she does best..she RUNS!!

I loved the warped story so hard. fell in love with every hidden, layered sentiment that tarryn inserts in angsty scenes.
Narrator Marisa Vitali does a fantastic job of bringing Helena and her POV to life.
5 stars for long walks