'The Woman in the Window' by A.J. Finn is a psychological thriller revolving around Dr. Anna Fox, an agoraphobic woman living in New York. She spends her days watching her neighbors, playing online chess, and drinking. When new neighbors move in, she becomes entangled in a web of mystery and intrigue after witnessing something she shouldn't have. The book delves into themes of isolation, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns. The writing style is described as gripping, with sharp and meaningful lines that create a deep connection to the protagonist, Anna.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Anna, are well-developed, showcasing a mix of flaws and strengths that drive the narrative and keep readers guessing about their true intentions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and vivid, combining rich descriptions with short chapters that maintain a fast pace, while also incorporating references to classic movies to enhance the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Anna, an agoraphobic psychologist, who becomes embroiled in a mystery when she witnesses a crime from her window, leading to a psychological unraveling and several plot twists.

Setting:

Set in a prestigious neighborhood in New York City, the isolation of Anna's home enhances her agoraphobia, making it a pivotal aspect of the story.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow, focusing on character development, but quickens significantly towards the middle and end, maintaining a gripping suspense throughout.

There isn’t a scrap of curtain, not a blade of blind, in number 212—the rust-red townhome that once housed the newlywed Motts, until recently, until they un-wed. I never met either Mott, but occasiona...

Notes:

The protagonist, Anna Fox, is a 38-year-old agoraphobic woman who enjoys watching classic black and white movies.

Anna is a child psychologist who has suffered a traumatic incident that led to her agoraphobia.

She spends her days drinking wine, taking pills, and spying on her neighbors through her window.

Anna becomes obsessed with her new neighbors, the Russells, and suspects something sinister is happening in their home.

The novel references several classic films, particularly those of Alfred Hitchcock, enhancing the suspense and atmosphere.

The book has very short chapters, which contributes to its fast-paced reading experience.

It explores themes of anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma on mental health.

The story involves multiple plot twists, keeping readers guessing about Anna's reliability and what she truly witnessed.

A movie adaptation of the book has been made, with Amy Adams playing the lead role of Anna Fox.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of mental illness, trauma, alcoholism, violence, and potentially triggering references to death and crime.

From The Publisher:

LibraryReads Selection

#1 New York Times Bestseller - Soon to be a Major Motion Picture starring Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, and Gary Oldman - Available on Netflix on May 14, 2021

"Astounding. Thrilling. Amazing."-GILLIAN FLYNN

It isn't paranoia if it's really happening . . .

Anna Fox lives alone-a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her days drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors.

Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother, their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn't, her world begins to crumble-and its shocking secrets are laid bare.

What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one-and nothing-is what it seems.

"The Woman in the Window is one of those rare books that really is unputdownable. The writing is smooth and often remarkable. The way Finn plays off this totally original story against a background of film noir is both delightful and chilling."- Stephen King

Ratings (179)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (50)
Liked It (70)
It Was OK (31)
Did Not Like (18)
Hated It (4)

Reader Stats (336):

Read It (178)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (108)
Did Not Finish (8)
Not Interested (40)

4 comment(s)

marcat662

Liked It

1 week

Plot

Pallavi

It Was OK

4 weeks

3.5 stars

RTC

Happy Reading!!

cdabud553

Loved It

1 month

Kept me involved the way. Kept me guessing .

ncltup375

Did Not Like

3 months

This book brings back memories of Girl on the Train. It’s so hard to get behind a train wreck of a protagonist that continually makes the worst decisions possible.

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The Woman in the Window

A.J. Finn