The Possessions
Book Review - The Possessions by Sara Flannery Murphy
I chose this book for my Book of the Month Club selection because I thought the premise was really creative. The Elysian Society is an organization that offers its clients the opportunity to channel the spirits of their deceased loved ones through living "bodies." The success of The Elysian Society lies in the strict rules that are put in place by the founder: "Bodies" wear the possessions of deceased loved ones and take pills called lotuses. The lotuses provided by The Elysian Society are some of the safest on the market. In addition, "bodies" are required to only channel deceased loved ones that are actually known by the individual wishing to communicate with them and never to channel loved ones who've committed suicide.
The main character is Edie who, for five years, was the most reliable and professional "body" working at the organization. But then she meets Patrick...
The premise of this book didn't disappoint - it was a truly unique idea and a great story! The writing was simple and straight forward making this book a quick and easy read.
Summary of The Possessions by Sara Flannery Murphy:
The Possessions by Sara Flannery Murphy is a novel that blends elements of psychological thriller, mystery, and supernatural fiction. The story centers on Edie, a worker at the Elysian Society, an organization that allows clients to connect with their deceased loved ones through a process called "channeling." Using a drug called "lotus," Edie and her colleagues temporarily relinquish control of their bodies to the spirits of the dead.
Edie, who has worked at the Elysian Society for five years, is known for her detachment and professionalism. However, her routine is disrupted when she becomes the conduit for Sylvia, the deceased wife of Patrick Braddock. Unlike her other clients, Patrick's presence deeply affects Edie, leading her to develop a dangerous obsession with him and Sylvia's mysterious death.
As Edie delves deeper into Sylvia's past and her own repressed emotions, she begins to lose her grip on reality. The lines between her identity and Sylvia's blur, revealing dark secrets and hidden desires. The novel explores themes of grief, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately questioning what it means to live a life haunted by the past.
Murphy's atmospheric writing and intricate plot twists create a haunting and immersive reading experience, challenging readers to consider the ethical implications of connecting with the dead and the ways in which we cope with loss.
About Sara Flannery Murphy:
Sara Flannery Murphy is an American author known for her work in the genres of mystery, psychological thriller, and speculative fiction. Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Murphy has developed a distinctive narrative style that blends elements of the supernatural with deep psychological insight. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis.
Murphy's debut novel, The Possessions, was published in 2017 and received critical acclaim for its unique premise and atmospheric writing. The book explores themes of grief, identity, and the supernatural, earning comparisons to the works of writers like Shirley Jackson and Margaret Atwood.
Following the success of The Possessions, Murphy continued to write and develop her literary career. Her works often focus on complex female characters and intricate plots that delve into the human psyche.
Murphy's writing is characterized by its strong, evocative prose and its ability to create immersive, haunting narratives. She is known for her skill in crafting suspenseful, thought-provoking stories that challenge readers to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of emotions and relationships.
In addition to her novels, Murphy's short stories and essays have appeared in various literary journals and anthologies, further establishing her as a versatile and compelling voice in contemporary fiction.
