Fate has a funny way of putting the right book in your hands at just the right moment. That’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled upon Alice Feeney’s “Sometimes I Lie” during a particularly stressful week at work. As a romance novelist, I’m not usually drawn to psychological thrillers, but something about this book’s premise grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.
From the very first page, I was hooked. Amber Reynolds, our protagonist, wakes up in a hospital bed, unable to move or communicate, but fully aware of her surroundings. It’s a terrifying scenario that immediately sent chills down my spine. As Amber reveals that she’s in a coma, her husband doesn’t love her anymore, and that she sometimes lies, I found myself completely immersed in her claustrophobic world.
Feeney’s decision to structure the narrative across three timelines – Amber’s present state, the week before her accident, and childhood diary entries – was a masterstroke. As a writer myself, I was in awe of how seamlessly she wove these threads together, creating a tapestry of suspense that kept me guessing until the very end. The complexity of the plot is both a strength and a potential weakness of the book. While I loved the challenge of piecing together the puzzle, I can see how some readers might find it overwhelming or confusing at times.
One of the aspects that resonated with me most was Feeney’s exploration of unreliable narration. As someone who crafts fictional worlds for a living, I’m fascinated by the power of perspective and the malleability of truth. Amber’s admission that she sometimes lies adds an extra layer of intrigue to every revelation. It reminded me of a line I once wrote in one of my own novels: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” In “Sometimes I Lie,” this sentiment is taken to its extreme, and I found it utterly captivating.
There were several moments in the book that left me breathless. One particular scene that stands out is when Amber, still in her coma, overhears a conversation that changes everything she thought she knew about her situation. Feeney’s writing in this moment is so visceral, so immediate, that I felt as trapped and helpless as Amber herself. It’s a testament to Feeney’s skill as a writer that she can evoke such strong emotions with words alone.
Speaking of writing, I was impressed by Feeney’s prose throughout the novel. Her background as a BBC producer and journalist shines through in her crisp, efficient storytelling. There’s a rhythm to her sentences that propels the reader forward, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. As someone who spends a lot of time crafting dialogue and descriptions, I found myself taking mental notes on Feeney’s techniques.
One of the most profound impacts this book had on me was how it made me reconsider the nature of truth and perception in my own life and work. As a romance novelist, I often deal with characters who hide their true feelings or misunderstand each other’s intentions. Reading “Sometimes I Lie” pushed me to consider how I might incorporate more complex layers of truth and deception into my own stories, adding depth and intrigue to my characters’ relationships.
The exploration of toxic friendships in the book, particularly between Amber and Claire, was another aspect that left a lasting impression. It made me reflect on the power dynamics in my own relationships and how easily the line between support and manipulation can blur. This theme has inspired me to delve deeper into the complexities of female friendships in my future novels.
Would I recommend “Sometimes I Lie” to others? Absolutely, but with a caveat. This isn’t a book for the faint of heart or those looking for a light read. It’s intense, sometimes disturbing, and requires active engagement from the reader. However, for those who enjoy a challenge and aren’t afraid to question everything they think they know, this book is a must-read.
As a writer, reading “Sometimes I Lie” was like attending a masterclass in plot twists and unreliable narration. As a reader, it was a thrilling ride that kept me up well past my bedtime for several nights in a row. And as a person, it left me pondering the nature of truth and lies in our everyday lives long after I turned the final page.
In the end, “Sometimes I Lie” reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place. It’s not just about entertaining readers; it’s about challenging them, making them think, and perhaps even changing their perspective on the world around them. Alice Feeney has certainly achieved that with her debut novel, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she writes next.