Book : The Friend
Author : Teresa Driscoll
Pages : 304
Price : 399/-
Publication : Thomas & Mercer
Thriller that will question your friends, or people whom you think you know. But do you know them ? Really ?
Story
The Story revolves around the lives of Sophie, a housewife, mother of baby boy Ben and Emma a new resident of Tedbury Cross, comes to live with his son Theo.
At first interaction, Sophie knows that Emma is the one Friend she has been missing all this time.
But a homicide happened, and then there are rumours about Emma. People talking about where she came from, how she got so much money. Even Sophie’s husband Mark points out things for Emma. But Sophie know’s Emma is nothing but innocent, dealing with his son Theo’s sudden selective mutism may be the reason.
And then, today Sophie is on train, away from her son Ben. She trusted Emma to keep Ben accompany Theo while she made a travel to surprise Mark. But what happens while she is away ?
There is an accident, who is hurt?
Is there something she should know before she reaches the hospital?
For all unanswered questions, you need to read this one.
Writing
This is my first novel by Author Teresa and I have heard so many good things about her previous novel I am Watching you. Which was a thriller too, so I had high hopes.
And to say, it didn’t match the hype. Sometimes, there are things that you can pinpoint that this didn’t work. Sadly, in The Friend case, I am unable to point that out.
I think the story is mostly given away to readers in the Blurb, but wait till you reach the End. There is twist and turns, some are predictable, and some are WHAT..??
The novel is divided into past and present of Sophie. Past shows about Sophie’s relation with everyone, her wish to have a second baby, and so much more. The present is about Sophie’s worry, which child is more hurt, who has gone into operation, etc.
The phase change was okay, but sometimes due to this, the dialogues got mixed up and until you read few lines you will not know in whose context you are reading.
About characters
Sophie is really a weak person mentally(until the epilogue, because she is changed). She know’s her life is not going anywhere, yet she doesn’t do anything about it.
Emma is one person who everyone knows is not good, yet Teresa tried to keep an equilibrium about her. She was definitely mysterious, but not in a good way.
I loved Helen, her interactions were Sophie were what I craved for more. She was like a pillar to Sophie in need. But then again, her character was given very much less light.
There were characters who came and went away. I particularly didn’t like the special appearances of Melanie & Mattew, as these weren’t justified much. Just the backdrop of what happened in France was brought to light through them. *Spoiler*(which to say is another twist) 😛
Things that worked out for me :
> There is a learning from the book, not about friendship, but I now know there is something called Selective Mutism which can cover up child. I love it when I take away such things from a novel. (extra star just for this)
> Friendship between Sophie and Helen. It was pure, and what I think everyone should have. It warmed my heart.
> Stating past and present together can lead to a lot of confusion to some people. But for me, it was also a reason to get a thrill. Because I knew there is something bad to happen in the future(when reading past)
Things that didn’t worked for me :
> The story felt stretched a lot. There were twist that started from 70th page or so, and it got it’s ending in the last 20 pages. Well by then, we all have kinda guessed it. So it was a let down for me.
> Due to past-present the dialogue got mixed. Like it was Emma who was talking, and due to pre-text I thought it’s still Sophie talking/thinking.> There were screens/characters which weren’t actually required, like Emma visits Sophie in Lizard, Melanie & Tom’s love angel.
> The Epilogue, this is the first book whose epilogue has the content we are looking for in the whole book. It was the length of a whole chapter, more than what conclusions should read like
Final Note :
This one is surely not for new readers, the changes from past to present can lead to confusion. If you love thrillers, especially those with women in the center this one is for you.
Cover: 3.5/5
Title: 3/5
Blurb: 3/5
Theme: 4/5
Story: 3.5/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.4/5
*Thanks to Writers Melon for providing review copy in return of an honest review.*
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