The One that Got Away by Annabel Kantaria
| The One that Got Away by Annabel Kantaria | |
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| Category: Thrillers | |
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Reviewer: Sophie Diamond
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| Summary: An interesting story spoilt by an amateurish execution. | |
| Buy? No | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 464 | Date: September 2017 |
| Publisher: HQ | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1848455122 | |
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Stella is the kind of person who keeps to herself. So it was very unlike her to attend a school reunion; there was only one person who could have drawn her there - George. George is the success story of his school class, rich, famous, beautiful wife and he loves everyone to know it. He and his wife Ness were the driving force of this school reunion and he's delighted to see Stella there. He wants to pick up where they left off 10 years ago. She hasn't forgotten the past but George is persistent and soon their old relationship makes its way into the present: they just aren't prepared for the fallout which ensues.
I'm massively in two minds about this book so I'll start with the positives. This thriller is fast paced, an interesting take on a story and I think the plot is generally quite well thought through. It's very easy and quick to read and I did want to know how it was going to end. I also didn't see the end coming and thought it was quite wry, in a good way. On the other hand, I didn't find the book very thrilling. George and Stella are not good characters, they're 2D archetypes with no substance behind them. They're not even characters you can hate because there is so little to them and this apathy towards them really spoils the book.
The writing is quite amateurish. There are scenes that err so far towards Mills and Boon they're almost funny. But as far as I can tell, this book isn't supposed to be a comedy. There's a Judy Finnigan comment on the book that calls it 'Utterly compelling', and although I didn't love this book, I sort of agree with her. Kantaria did something interesting with an affair plot and I was interested to see where it went. It's just in my opinion she didn't do it very well. Unfortunately, I can't tell you what was so good about the plot without giving it all away. I actually think this book would make a good film or TV series: it would translate very well on to screen.
Like I said, I'm in two minds on this. I don't think it's a good book, but I also can't say I didn't sort of enjoy it. And while I wouldn't actively recommend it, I think that if you were to pick it up on your holiday, it's light enough to suit that purpose. But if you're looking for anything deeper, look elsewhere.
If you're looking for a different psychological thriller, try reading Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The One that Got Away by Annabel Kantaria at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy The One that Got Away by Annabel Kantaria at Amazon.com.
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