Add a coldly efficient house to the mix. The chapters alternate between Emma and Jane, past and present. Each of these young women are willing "audition" to rent a clinically beautiful and technologically advanced house by a famous minimalist architect. First comes a long questionnaire of odd and personal questions.
Each young woman fills out the questionnaire which also requires three photos. Hmmmm. The weird questions and the photo requirement didn't set off any warning bells? If Edward Monkhouse, the architect and owner, likes the responses, then he grants an interview to decide who is appropriate for the house. Of course, both Emma and Jane get an interview.
There are rules--lots of them: no books, no rugs, no personal effects, no photos, no clutter. A computer "housekeeper" monitors everything in the house. Both Emma and Jane are unreliable narrators and willing to surrender their personalities to fit the house and the architect.
I have a thing about people who give up everything to satisfy another person or ideological belief. I know it happens, but it is almost impossible for me to imagine. It is one thing for it to happen gradually as in a Stockholm Syndrome situation or a domestic situation that develops over time as a matter of gradual reconditioning, but for an eager almost immediate surrender to someone else's dictates? Both women have had some traumatic events and want a fresh start, but still....
Definitely hanging on the trend of other "Girl" books, The Girl Before will hold your interest and provide a few surprises.
Read in September; blog review scheduled for Jan. 2, 2017
NetGalley/Random House
Mystery/Suspense. Jan. 24, 2017. Print length: 352 pages.
No books? Yea, I would not have applied to live at that house! haha... I'm curious about this one though so I'll keep it on my radar. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt is an unusual book that will keep you wondering. I can't imagine living in such a sterile environment! But I would have freaked at the questionnaire...
DeleteThe whole house thing adds a unique spin. I just might have to give this one a try. :)
ReplyDeleteThe house does play an unusual role. I hope somebody I know does read it to see what they think. It's a creepy book and suspenseful. I didn't like it, but I never thought of abandoning it. :)
DeleteI'm intrigued with the plot; everything sounds bizarre here but I suppose that makes the story seems more interesting, ha. Will check out this one.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a bizarre plot with some unpleasant characters. The author deliberately confuses you about the two young women who, at different times, are chosen to live in the house.
DeleteIt is hard to believe that someone would so readily give up what makes them who they are so quickly. Such an interesting premise though! I kind of just want to read it to find out how it all ends.
ReplyDeletePlease do! I'm eager to know what others think about it. J.P. Delaney is the pseudonym of Tony Strong, but I have not read anything by him. I understand that Ron Howard will direct a film version--but I think I'll give it a pass. :)
DeleteHmm, it sounds bizarre, for sure! I really liked this review you wrote though, so I'm giving it a link on my weekend update on Friday.
ReplyDeleteI won't be picking up this title, but I do like Ron Howard movies, so maybe I'll watch it instead.
It kept my interest, but I couldn't summon much sympathy for the characters. :)
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