Behind Her Eyes
Book Review - Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough
After I read a book that I didn't enjoy, I usually want to follow it up with a book I know for sure I'll really get into. And for me, that usually means a mystery/thriller or a historical fiction novel (okay, I know those are two very different genres, but they're the ones that do it for me!) One of my book clubs chose Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough for their last meeting, but I didn't have time (see also: I forgot...) to read the book before their meeting. My friends were adamant on not giving anything away, so our book discussion that month was cryptic. I took that as a pretty good sign I was going to enjoy this book.
About Sarah Pinborough:
Sarah Pinborough is a British author known for her works in various genres, including horror, fantasy, and thriller. She has written numerous novels and has gained recognition for her unique storytelling style and ability to blend different elements seamlessly.
Pinborough's early works include novels such as "The Hidden" (2004), "The Reckoning" (2005), and "Breeding Ground" (2006), which primarily fall within the horror genre. These novels often explore dark and unsettling themes, showcasing her talent for creating tension and suspense.
However, Pinborough gained wider acclaim with her later novels, particularly with her psychological thriller "Behind Her Eyes" (2017). The book received significant attention for its shocking twist ending, which left readers both stunned and divided in their opinions. "Behind Her Eyes" was adapted into a Netflix miniseries in 2021, further increasing Pinborough's popularity and introducing her work to a broader audience.
In addition to her novels, Pinborough has also written for television, including episodes of the BBC series "New Tricks." She continues to write across various genres, demonstrating her versatility as an author and her ability to captivate readers with her imaginative storytelling.
Overall, Sarah Pinborough is recognized as a talented and prolific author whose works have left a lasting impact on readers and have solidified her place in the world of contemporary fiction.
Behind Her Eyes Novel:
Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough is about Louise, a secretary at a doctor's office who meets David at a bar only to discover that he is her new, married, boss. (It reminds me a bit of the beginning of Grey's Anatomy...remember how Meredith first meets Derek?) Things get even more complicated when Louise is befriended by David's wife, Adele. Any normal person would either end the affair or the friendship, but Louise tries to balance both...and you can imagine how well that ends. To complicate things even further (as if it wasn't all complicated enough...) Louise begins to realize that David and Adele's marriage is a bit dark and twisty (to borrow a phrase from Grey's Anatomy.) It seems David is a bit controlling of Adele....or is Adele crazy? This book definitely keeps you guessing until the very end.
It was also among the February Book of the Month Club selections. This is what Judge Cristina Arreola had to say about it:
“Every time I read a thriller, I imagine myself in a race against the author. I ask myself, “Can I guess the big twist before the author reveals it?” –always confident that the answer is yes. Still, I stay up late into the night finishing these books. I read until daylight breaks. I read until I know for certain that my theory is correct…
I was dead wrong about the ending of Behind Her Eyes.”
It does takes a turn toward the supernatural...but I am not a fan of fantasy books and this book didn't go so far into that genre to turned me off of it completely. So if you're like me, don't let that deter you. If you're looking for a book that will suck you in and keep you guessing...this is the book for you.
Behind Her Eyes Book Summary:
"Behind Her Eyes" by Sarah Pinborough is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the intertwined lives of Louise, David, and Adele. Louise, a single mother, begins an affair with her new boss, David, only to discover that he is married to Adele. As Louise becomes entangled in the complex dynamics of their marriage, she forms a secretive friendship with Adele, who harbors her own dark secrets. As the narrative unfolds, secrets, lies, and manipulation escalate, leading to a shocking and mind-bending conclusion that challenges everything the characters—and the readers—thought they knew. The novel is renowned for its unexpected twist ending that leaves readers questioning reality and the nature of perception.
