A review by taylorfield
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Long Story Short: Alix Summers, a popular podcaster, discovers the subject of her next series when she meets Josie Fair and the two realize they share the same birthday. As Josie's story unfolds, Alix finds her family intertwined in the unbelievable.

First things first: this is a very good audiobook. It's a full-fledged production with normal narration, "podcast" material, and "Netflix" excerpts that are engaging and different and fun. None of This Is True would be very good for discussions on boundary setting, the nature of podcasts in storytelling, and the impact of Covid-19.

Ultimately though, it's a slow burn story with an ending that feels like something is missing. At 34% I had an idea of what happened, but in reality the twist was not very twisty and didn't make a lot of sense. I've been a broken record of "I wish the ending wasn't so rushed" this year but man, I wish the ending wasn't so rushed.

CW: Descriptions of grooming, allusions to child sexual abuse, alcoholism

Enjoyment: 4/5
Craft: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5 
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