I read this book in one day…I absolutely could not put it down. The story grabs you from the very beginning, and doesn’t let go until the last page. The four friends, Susie, Amanda, Izzy, and Tamsin, are so different from each other, and yet they all seem to belong together. Also, their differences give the reader a richer experience, as all four of them experienced the tragedy that ultimately ended their friendship in different ways. One thing I liked a lot about this story is that not all of the characters were likeable. They were real. They had definite flaws and complicated relationships, and it made the story much more believable.There were a few things I did not like about this book, however, and in my opinion, these things actually detracted somewhat from the reading experience. For starters, the impression I had of Tamsin, from the reaction of her friends at the prospect of seeing her again, was of someone evil and sinister. These women actually had a physical reaction to the thought of seeing her, almost as if the very idea made them sick, like they were afraid of her. This did not seem to indicate guilt at all. I instead thought that they had possibly witnessed Tamsin committing a horrible crime, like a murder or something similar. When Amanda and Izzy meet her on the plane and she’s perfectly normal, I was confused and almost distressed. I also felt that the final explanation of the “incident” felt a little bit implausible, almost like an afterthought.In the end, though, I really enjoyed reading this book, and that is the most important thing. I think this book will appeal mainly to women readers because of the attention given to the emotional and sexual development of the four main characters. However, any fan of modern fiction and psychological suspense will enjoy this book, and I feel free to recommend it to basically everyone I know.
I hated the ending - but don't worry, no spoilers here. I couldn't if I tried - because even though I've finished the book, I still don't know how it ends!The plot of this book poses several questions, the main ones being:- What is the guilty secret that makes three of the friends so nervous around the fourth, Tamsin?- Why is Susie's mysterious client commissioning portraits?- What will become of Patrick and Amanda's marriage?- Is Roman really the one for Susie, or is he just using her as a meal ticket?Of all the questions, ONLY ONE is resolved. Everything else is left hanging.Yes, OK, I know that's more realistic than most fiction, where revealing that big, dark secret would be a cathartic moment. Everyone would forgive and forget, or perhaps it wouldn't be as bad as we thought, and from that moment on, everyone's life would take on a new trajectory. So maybe the author was trying to be true to life, by not tying everything up neatly? Well, no. Fair enough, leave us with SOME questions - but it's a bit tough to leave us with almost NOTHING resolved. The ending felt careless, as if she did write more and then decided to delete it. I can almost hear the editor saying, "Darling, after the 'reveal', the story loses its dramatic tension and the rest of the chapters fall flat. I think you should cut them." So she did, without bothering to go back and re-read it to ensure the ending made sense. The thing that telegraphs that, for me, is the sub-plot about a mysterious client who commissions portraits for a woman who may or may not be his ex-wife. It has absolutely nothing to do with the main story - nothing. Yet even that is left unfinished. Why bother including it if you're not going to resolve the mystery?
Do You like book Out Of My Depth (2015)?
Susie, Izzy, Amanda and Tamsin were best friends in high school, but like most of us they have lost touch over the years. Just prior to graduation they decided to hold a ten year reunion to see where their lives had taken them. Susie, flushed with success and eager to show off her perfect life - her successful career as an artist, a wonderful house in France and a delicious live in lover - invites them to join her for a long weekend.But Susie, Amanda and Izzy share a secret, one Susie is now determined to share with Tamsin. But at what cost?This is a perfectly enjoyable piece of chick-lit. A nice, easy entertaining read - ideal holiday fodder.
—Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice*
Never judge a book by it's cover! I almost didn't read this book because I hate anything to do with drowning etc. No need to have worried! Nothing to do with the sea/swimming pools!! I am a fan of Emily Barr and this book didn't disappoint. Quite a page-turner with a few twists and turns along the way. The only reason I didn't give 5* was the ending. The book may have been left open-ended for a sequel and would be good to use in a reading group because there is lots of room left for debate, but I would like to have seen all the loose endings tied up in a bit more detail.
—Sue
I read this on holiday and couldn't help but identify with the idea of friends hiding a secret from their closest. As I read more and discovered the lives of the central characters, how well or badly they had done since school, I pictured myself in similar situations; single, rich or poor, and for me, that abiioty to relate to such characters made this book worth a read. It is not one of the best I have ever read, but if I had to, some years down the line, I would probably pick it up again to see if I'd still relate to any of the characters within it.
—Rebecca Haslam
