A review by noveldeelights
How Far We Fall by Jane Shemilt
3.5* --> 4*
Beth and Albie seemingly have the perfect marriage. But Beth has quite a few skeletons in her closet, amongst them a long-running affair with Albie’s boss, Ted, which has affected her future. Albie is blinded by ambition and his admiration for Ted but when Ted’s generosity seems to crumble, Beth sees this as the perfect opportunity to satisfy her husband’s ambitions and have her revenge on Ted in one fell swoop.
How Far We Fall is very different from the psychological thrillers I’m used to and I must admit it took me quite a while to get into it. Not only are the characters incredibly unlikeable, the pace is also rather slow. Particularly in the first part of the story, which lays the foundation of how these three complex characters are connected and turns this story into the most fascinating character study.
There is a constant claustrophobic and almost threatening vibe, especially in the dramatic setting of the Jura where parts of the story are played out. Jane Shemilt takes full advantage of her medical background as a GP and of her husband’s, who’s a neurosurgeon. These were parts I read through my fingers because while I can apparently read about the most gruesome of murders, actual surgery descriptions make my stomach go all funny.
This is a story about ambition, jealousy, betrayal and revenge with an intricately and thought-provoking character-driven plot. It’s intriguing, incredibly dark and chilling. Not one to race through but one that requires a bit of concentration and I’m glad I stuck with it because despite the slow pace, it was well worth it in the end.
Beth and Albie seemingly have the perfect marriage. But Beth has quite a few skeletons in her closet, amongst them a long-running affair with Albie’s boss, Ted, which has affected her future. Albie is blinded by ambition and his admiration for Ted but when Ted’s generosity seems to crumble, Beth sees this as the perfect opportunity to satisfy her husband’s ambitions and have her revenge on Ted in one fell swoop.
How Far We Fall is very different from the psychological thrillers I’m used to and I must admit it took me quite a while to get into it. Not only are the characters incredibly unlikeable, the pace is also rather slow. Particularly in the first part of the story, which lays the foundation of how these three complex characters are connected and turns this story into the most fascinating character study.
There is a constant claustrophobic and almost threatening vibe, especially in the dramatic setting of the Jura where parts of the story are played out. Jane Shemilt takes full advantage of her medical background as a GP and of her husband’s, who’s a neurosurgeon. These were parts I read through my fingers because while I can apparently read about the most gruesome of murders, actual surgery descriptions make my stomach go all funny.
This is a story about ambition, jealousy, betrayal and revenge with an intricately and thought-provoking character-driven plot. It’s intriguing, incredibly dark and chilling. Not one to race through but one that requires a bit of concentration and I’m glad I stuck with it because despite the slow pace, it was well worth it in the end.