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booksandbea's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. This was unbelievably clever and so accomplished, especially when you take into account this is a second novel made up of two different books. The writing was so easy to follow, Gillian McAllister has one of my favourite writing styles for a reason. This was a really fresh approach to a thriller that I don't get often, I loved being able to see both sides and the ending was really satisfying. Brilliant
emmabeckman's review against another edition
4.0
I don't really have a lot of thoughts on this one. I liked it and I'm glad I was able to read it. I think my main wish was that we got to know Joanna better BEFORE the incident took place, so that we could have a little more understanding of who she was BEFORE we see her go down the two paths. Less that 20 pages in and we're already supposed to care about what happens to her based on which path she chooses. I get the point of doing it that way of course, but as it was, it took me a long time to decide that I was actually interested in her as a person and what happened to her life.
The ending was... not what I expected. But I liked how the author played with how the reader learned new information through both timelines. She also played a little bit with predicting the future which I thought was interesting. I really loved Reuben for most of it (in both timelines) but he got a bit much at the end.
My other issue I guess was that once I got to the middle, I wasn't really sure what the story was building toward. I'm not even sure it was really building toward anything in particular, more just.... telling Joanna's story. I think it could have been more deep, though I also didn't really NEED it to be more deep.
The ending was... not what I expected. But I liked how the author played with how the reader learned new information through both timelines. She also played a little bit with predicting the future which I thought was interesting. I really loved Reuben for most of it (in both timelines) but he got a bit much at the end.
My other issue I guess was that once I got to the middle, I wasn't really sure what the story was building toward. I'm not even sure it was really building toward anything in particular, more just.... telling Joanna's story. I think it could have been more deep, though I also didn't really NEED it to be more deep.
damianwayne's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Do not take the fact that I read this in a day to mean it was particularly grabbing or enjoyable, just that I’d rather get it out the way today. I would not recommend. I think the way this book is marketed and what it actually is are two quite different things. It’s so much about her failing marriage that you forget this is meant to be a crime thriller. The crime should seemingly be centrefold, but is not, and thrillers should thrill, but reading this felt like a job to complete.
The characters are divinely uninspired. Joanna is nothing but selfish and extremely unlikeable in my opinion. If the only way I care about a character is to feel sympathetic because they were the victim of predatory behaviour then that is not a good character. She is seemingly implied to be racist which is never addressed by anyone but her husband, to which she is offended he would be concerned about that. She continuously lies to the point it pains me to read.
Also, the fact that this book is labelled as focussing on a moral dilemma, when the version of her who ran got away with it is ridiculous. I don’t care about her plight as a deeply paranoid woman when she killed a seventeen year old boy. It’s ridiculous to posit this as some feminist think piece. The idea that she ended up in the same position no matter what she did is poor writing. If this were truly about morality, there would be some punishment. I hate the rhetoric multiple characters spin that her isolating herself is enough atonement on her part— except maybe the sheer amount of suffering caused by moving to Birmingham of all places.
lakeblackett's review against another edition
4.0
What a wonderful author with an exceptional talent for storytelling. McAllister's talent shines through as she takes readers on a captivating journey through two parallel storylines, each unfolding from a single, life-changing event.
McAllister skillfully crafts these parallel narratives, drawing us deeply into the protagonist's struggles and triumphs as she navigates the consequences of each decision. The way the relationships evolve and how the threads of the story weave together by the end is particularly compelling. Despite not being the most twist-laden thriller, the novel's strength lies in its emotional depth and the authenticity of its characters' experiences.
What makes this book truly special is its refreshing take on the genre. It's not about shocking the reader with constant surprises but about offering a thoughtful, engaging read that resonates on a personal level. This book opens up some hard hitting conversations about the wider world that women live in and had left me choked up/adrenaline pumped, on several occasions. McAllister's nuanced writing and the intimate portrayal of the protagonist's journey make this book a standout. It's a story that captivates not with high-stakes drama but with the rich, relatable complexity of everyday life choices.
In summary, "Anything You Do Say" is a beautifully written, reflective novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Gillian McAllister's ability to create such a compelling narrative out of ordinary decisions is a testament to her skill as an author. This book is a breath of fresh air and a thoroughly good read.
McAllister skillfully crafts these parallel narratives, drawing us deeply into the protagonist's struggles and triumphs as she navigates the consequences of each decision. The way the relationships evolve and how the threads of the story weave together by the end is particularly compelling. Despite not being the most twist-laden thriller, the novel's strength lies in its emotional depth and the authenticity of its characters' experiences.
What makes this book truly special is its refreshing take on the genre. It's not about shocking the reader with constant surprises but about offering a thoughtful, engaging read that resonates on a personal level. This book opens up some hard hitting conversations about the wider world that women live in and had left me choked up/adrenaline pumped, on several occasions. McAllister's nuanced writing and the intimate portrayal of the protagonist's journey make this book a standout. It's a story that captivates not with high-stakes drama but with the rich, relatable complexity of everyday life choices.
In summary, "Anything You Do Say" is a beautifully written, reflective novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Gillian McAllister's ability to create such a compelling narrative out of ordinary decisions is a testament to her skill as an author. This book is a breath of fresh air and a thoroughly good read.
cvsuthie's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars on the thriller scale
I want to start writing reviews again so here goes
This book was very intriguing. It is not a traditional thriller and is surprisingly emotional. There are some lovely lines and sentiments here especially towards the end. I felt anxious and uncomfortable the whole time which was the intention I think, so that worked. I may have judged this book harshly from the cover and the blurb which make it sound like a normal cheap thriller but it is definitely not. It brings up interesting philosophical questions about feminism, racism, politics, the justice system, etc. I recommend this to someone who is looking for an exciting, addictive thriller that will make them think and feel deep emotions.
I want to start writing reviews again so here goes
This book was very intriguing. It is not a traditional thriller and is surprisingly emotional. There are some lovely lines and sentiments here especially towards the end. I felt anxious and uncomfortable the whole time which was the intention I think, so that worked. I may have judged this book harshly from the cover and the blurb which make it sound like a normal cheap thriller but it is definitely not. It brings up interesting philosophical questions about feminism, racism, politics, the justice system, etc. I recommend this to someone who is looking for an exciting, addictive thriller that will make them think and feel deep emotions.
celiapowell's review against another edition
4.0
This novel is written in alternating chapters, with each chapter following a different timeline, one where Joanna calls an ambulance after an accident, and another where she walks away. I thought I might find this structure a bit irritating but it's very compelling - albeit stressful as Joanna makes one bad move after another.
thisisgettingstupid999's review against another edition
5.0
You didn’t mean to, but you caused something bad to happen. Should you hand yourself in? Or run and hide?
This book has been languishing on my Kindle for a while, but once I started it was a genuine ‘couldn’t put it down’. Cleverly constructed it shows parallel outcomes based on a woman’s reaction to a single event.
Yes, I did occasionally get confused between the two storylines, but the chapters were short enough (and handily labelled ‘reveal’ or ‘conceal’) for me to be able to get back on track.
I found (the protagonist) Joanna’s character well-rounded and believable, even though I sometimes wanted to yell at her for her stupid decisions.
The least believable aspect, I think, was her seemingly perfect marriage and it was this that I felt weakened the ending of the book. Did the writer baulk at writing an ending that might make the reader want to slit their wrists? Actually, I would have been happy for the book to end a few chapters before it did, but I know many people like a more definitive ending.
Nevertheless, this is a well-written book with not one, but two totally gripping storylines which I think will stay with me for a long time.
This book has been languishing on my Kindle for a while, but once I started it was a genuine ‘couldn’t put it down’. Cleverly constructed it shows parallel outcomes based on a woman’s reaction to a single event.
Yes, I did occasionally get confused between the two storylines, but the chapters were short enough (and handily labelled ‘reveal’ or ‘conceal’) for me to be able to get back on track.
I found (the protagonist) Joanna’s character well-rounded and believable, even though I sometimes wanted to yell at her for her stupid decisions.
The least believable aspect, I think, was her seemingly perfect marriage and it was this that I felt weakened the ending of the book. Did the writer baulk at writing an ending that might make the reader want to slit their wrists? Actually, I would have been happy for the book to end a few chapters before it did, but I know many people like a more definitive ending.
Nevertheless, this is a well-written book with not one, but two totally gripping storylines which I think will stay with me for a long time.
kayreads7's review against another edition
4.0
Gillian McCallister has done it again!
I read this book in around 24 hours.
It’s a book I picked up without reading the blurb because I love Gillian’s work and this one was so unique and different to her other books I’ve read.
The whole time I was expecting some big twist but honestly it didn’t need it. It was such an interesting concept and I loved how intricate yet different conceal & reveal were - I never got confused (which sliding door books have the potential to do) and above all else it was a beautiful story of love, growth, forgiveness and I just really enjoyed it.
I read this book in around 24 hours.
It’s a book I picked up without reading the blurb because I love Gillian’s work and this one was so unique and different to her other books I’ve read.
The whole time I was expecting some big twist but honestly it didn’t need it. It was such an interesting concept and I loved how intricate yet different conceal & reveal were - I never got confused (which sliding door books have the potential to do) and above all else it was a beautiful story of love, growth, forgiveness and I just really enjoyed it.
thequirkymomnextdoor's review against another edition
3.0
I love the way this was written with the two possibilities playing out but I don't really like the ending. It kept my attention but I feel like there could have been more to it. I liked it. 3 and a half stars.
maf99's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Slow plot with very little action. The last 1/4 of the book is more satisfying, but getting to that point takes commitment. The concept of the story is interesting, but Joanna’s character is frustrating so it is hard to get invested in the story.