Although Lisa Jewell is a very successful and prolific author, this is the first time our book group have read one of her novels. It was chosen by a member who recently discovered her writing and enjoyed "And then She Was Gone' and ' The House We Grew Up In' both very different subject matter but similar in that the characters were real and relatable as were the settings. "Invisible Girl" was hot off the publishing press and expectations were high. Overall a success, this latest offering from Jewell was well paced, exciting and kept everyone's interest, a book you want to finish. The large cast of characters were well drawn and clearly defined and kept the reader wanting to know more about each one.
Set against the backdrop of an affluent Hampstead road the drama revolves around the disappearance of the 'Invisible Girl.' We are introduced to three main characters who narrate their own part in the story. Thirty something Owen Pick, a slightly 'creepy loaner', viewed with distrust and shunned by society. Saffyre Maddox, a troubled teenager with unresolved issues from her past, recently discharged by her psychologist . Physiotherapist and married mother of two, attractive and outwardly confident, Cate Fours. Each take turns to narrate the events leading up to and following the disappearance of the girl. Their voices are authentic to their character and make the change in tone and identity clear to the reader. As the mystery unfolds the author addresses sensitive themes asking the reader to look closely beneath the surface of each character's life, highlighting the importance of resisting the urge to judge a book by its cover.
The narratives switch forward and backwards through time gradually revealing the key events that have shaped each character. Raising current and problematic topics such as young men being falsely accused of sexual offences. This dimension gave the story more depth, and demonstrated the ease with which one allegation blights lives and makes future allegations much more plausible. It was quite refreshing to hear the man's point of view and realise how quickly and profoundly a life can be affected. Jewell also delved into the dark world of internet chat groups and sexual extremists, highlighting how a basically decent person can be pushed to the extremes and fall into the wrong company. The character of Owen Pick was multi layered, a boy shaped by the neglect of those closest to him, trying to make his way in a seemingly uncaring world. He appears ill equipped to deal with the complexities of adult life, at one point the author alludes to possibility that he might be on the autistic spectrum. Owen demanded nothing and got nothing in return, he became exiled from normal society, shunned by his father and held at arms length by his aunt. Despite or perhaps because of his slightly odd characteristics and miserable life the reader ends up rooting for Owen, hoping he finds the happiness he deserves.
Cate Fours is the polar opposite to Owen, outwardly successful in every area of life. Whilst renting the house opposite Owen, Cate goes on a journey of exploration that results in the realisation that her whole married life is not quite what she thought it was or should be. Again the author touches on issues such as coercive control and one persons ability to undermine the self confidence of another. Through her own voice we gradually learn about Cate's relationship with her husband Roan, a child psychologist who until recently had been treating Saffyre Maddox. Thus the lives of all the main characters are neatly intertwined and a ripping good yarn ensues.
Saffyre Maddox lives a dangerous life for a young girl, discovering the people she thought she could depend on to save her did not live by the high standards they expected of others. Maddox turns the concept of victim hood on its head, eventually realising she must be her own saviour.
As with many contemporary novels, this book would translate well onto the small screen. It reflects the lives of a diverse group of people living and working in modern day London. The reader is kept interested through out. To some of our group the neat ending was a little too neat, the book did not leave us with any unanswered questions. Overall this months choice was a success, easy to read, well written and compelling. although not a classic this book is akin to a bar of chocolate, enjoyable at the time, hard to put down, finished too quickly!
Again because of corona virus restrictions we have been unable to meet up to discuss this book in person. Fingers crossed that by next month we may be able to get together to discuss our next read.....
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