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Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris
Bring Me Back is a psychological thriller novel written by B.A. Paris. The book was released in June 2018 and has received much attention from readers and critics alike. The author is known for her success in writing suspenseful plots of twists and turns in her novels that keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. This book is no different, as it takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the lives of a couple who are haunted by the disappearance of their ex-girlfriend.
Main Themes and Ideas Presented in the Book
The novel’s main themes revolve around trust, truth, and obsession. It explores the concept of how lies and deceit can destroy even the strongest of relationships, as well as how obsession can lead to negative outcomes for those involved. The novel also delves into the concept of justice and how people’s interpretations of it can vary greatly.
The book is centered around the lives of Finn and Layla, a couple who are haunted by the disappearance of Finn’s ex-girlfriend, who vanished twelve years ago while the couple was on a holiday. The mystery begins to unfold when Layla finds and reports to Finn that she had been seeing mysterious Russian dolls just outside their house, and this starts a chain reaction of clues and unearths what had been buried for many years. The novel keeps the reader guessing with every turn of the page, and the ending is not what anyone could have predicted.
Writing Style and Author’s Message
B.A. Paris’ writing style is lucid and suspended as usual. She has a great sense of pacing in her novels that makes the dialogue scenes arise naturally and keep the story moving. The author is adept at creating suspenseful atmospheres full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged throughout the book. She gradually unravels the plot, leading up to the grand finale of surprises that will keep readers on their toes until the very last page.
Paris gave us typical psychological thriller qualities such as twists, turns, unreliable narrators, and red herrings. She also showed us how secrets can be buried for many years and their subsequent unraveling can create beds of chaos, and the obsession that can grip the lives of the characters in the novel to the point of no return. Bring Me Back is a cautionary tale about honesty, loyalty, and what happens when jealousy and obsession collide.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Bring Me Back
Bring Me Back’s strength lies in the way the protagonist’s obsession was cultivated to the point of it taking control over their lives, leading to drastic outcomes. The plot is well written, gradually building towards the climax without tipping its hand too soon, and the author’s character work is solid.
However, one criticism of the novel is that Finn’s voice dominates the story, and some may find it slightly misogynistic. The male narrative often dominates, detracting from the female voice, which occasionally feels repressed. The Russian nesting doll fascination and its significance could have been expressed with more depth, and I found the plot twist to be predictable, which was anticlimactic.
Comparison to Other Works in the Genre
Bring Me Back compares well to other novels in the psychological thriller genre. It follows the standard plot structures and themes while still managing to offer unique elements to the reader. The plot is well-paced and engages the reader from the beginning, creating suspenseful moments that leave readers questioning at every event of the story. The characterization of Finn is done so well that readers get to experience the evolving tensions and emotions he feels as the plot progresses.
My Overall Impression of Bring Me Back
Overall, I would say Bring Me Back is an impressive novel that successfully utilizes the elements of the psychological thriller genre. The story is engaging, and the plot flows naturally, shifting seamlessly through different phases of pace and tone. The twists and turns keep readers guessing until the end, and the characters are well-developed and captivating. However, there are some weaknesses in the novel that detract from its enjoyment, and the predictability of the ending was somewhat disappointing.
FAQ
What age group is this book appropriate for?
This book is recommended for adults aged 18 and over.
Is the book suitable for those who have not read B.A. Paris’ work before?
Yes, Bring Me Back is a stand-alone novel that does not require any prior knowledge of the author’s work.
Is it a good book for a book club discussion?
Yes, the novel’s themes and twisting plot make it an excellent choice for a book club discussion. There are loads of potential topics to explore relating to trust, truth, obsession, and justice in the novel.
Does the novel have a movie adaptation?
As of yet, there is no movie adaptation in production for Bring Me Back.
Would you recommend this novel to others?
Yes, I would definitely recommend Bring Me Back to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. The novel has a compelling story that entices readers and keeps them guessing until the end.
