If melodrama's your thing, you'll absolutely love this book. But even if it isn't, chances are you'll enjoy it anyway. I did, getting so caught up in it that I read for nearly two hours straight just because I "had" to get to the end before putting it down.The reason isn't that I loved the angst-ridden characters who have almost unbelievably over-the-top "secrets" they've been trying to hide (and lie about) for years; rather, it's an artfully written story that draws the reader in and simply won't let go. It's much the same feeling I had at the conclusion of another of the author's books, The New Neighbors, which I also very much enjoyed and, nearing the end, couldn't put down. And you can be sure that I'll be chomping at the bit to get the next one as well.
This one centers on Susanna Fenton, who for a reason unknown at the beginning left her former self in the wind some 14 years earlier, studying to become a mental health counselor. She's got a daughter Emily (who, hint, hint, is around 14 years old), and good friend Ruth, a dentist who has a practice right next to Susanna's counseling office. One day, Susanna opens her door to a mysterious but vaguely familiar-looking young man who's made an appointment for help. But quickly, the roles change - and it's no longer Susanna who is in charge. Worse, he knows way more about Susanna's carefully hidden past life than she's willing to remember. But remember it she must if she's to save her precious daughter.
Chapters shift between what's happening with Susanna and Emily (in their past and present), all leading up to revelations and admissions about what happened in Susanna's life 14 years ago and why she tried so hard to escape. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review it.
The Liar's Room by Simon Lelic (Berkley, January 2019); 352 pp.
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