This book about a young married couple seeking professional help for their problems from a rather unconventional therapist, sparked and kept my interest right up until the end.
The big revelation by one of the main characters in the first therapy session was an excellent hook.
The plot then further builds on this shocking revelation with hints in the form of subtle details, strategically scattered throughout the book, that things are not what they seem to be.
All of this worked well together to keep me interested in finding out more.
The setting (wealthy American suburbs) and the intimate therapy sessions, paired with the main character’s unconventional and controversial methods of therapy, all set the stage for the explosive and riveting moments to follow.
By narrating the therapy sessions rather emotively, the writers made me feel as if I was right there in the room with the couple, witnessing and experiencing all the dramatics of a real-life soap opera first-hand.
The themes in the book, though common, are relatable.
Themes such as infidelity, lies, deception, fake social media profiles, vulnerability, marital imperfections, and childhood relational trauma made the plot very realistic.
In relation to the characters and how they were portrayed, I liked the fact that the main characters initially appear to be very conventional and straightforward, but then turn out to be equally intriguing and mysterious.
I also enjoyed the intricate details with which the main characters were described and how the writers creatively revealed layers of complexities and personality shortcomings in the characters as the story progressed.
What I disliked about the book was the inclusion of all the little details about the lives of the supporting characters.
I felt this to be unnecessary and long-winded, often to the detriment of the main storyline.
The book was overall an enjoyable, entertaining read, with modern, vivid language, complex and interesting characters, enjoyable detours, a balanced sense of mystery and shocking moments; all adding up to a winning formula for a gripping read.
The suburban, almost boring setting, complemented the storyline well, and was in a way, in sharp contrast to the explosive revelations.
Although the themes in the book are quite dark, the storyline did not feel heavy or depressing at all, but in contrast proved to be a light form of entertainment.
I would recommend the book to any recreational reader in search of light escapism in a troubled world, something to make you forget about your reality for a short while.