In "Good Neighbors" by Sarah Langan, the story unfolds in a suburban neighborhood on Maple Street, where a sinkhole becomes a focal point of mystery and danger, symbolizing the hidden darkness within the seemingly idyllic community. As tensions rise among the residents, led by the manipulative Rhea Schroeder, a mob mentality takes hold, fueling accusations and divisions that ultimately lead to tragic consequences. The narrative weaves together themes of facade versus reality, mob mentality, and the impact of trauma and insecurities on individuals and communities, all set against a backdrop of environmental decay and societal unrest.
The book's writing style blends elements of horror, thriller, and social commentary, drawing readers in with its eerie atmosphere, intricate character development, and thought-provoking exploration of complex human emotions and behaviors. Through a mix of vivid descriptions, shifting perspectives, and a gripping plot that challenges perceptions of truth and morality, "Good Neighbors" offers a compelling and unsettling portrayal of suburban life unraveling under the weight of secrets, lies, and the insidious influence of groupthink.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains content warnings for themes including child abuse, bullying, and mental illness, making it unsuitable for all readers.
From The Publisher:
Celeste Ng and Liane Moriarty's enthralling dissection of suburbia meets Shirley Jackson's creeping dread in this " wickedly funny, unnerving puzzle box of a novel" (Dan Chaon, author of Ill Will ) about the downward spiral of a Long Island community after a tragedy exposes its residents' depths of deception.
Welcome to Maple Street, a picture-perfect slice of suburban Long Island, its residents bound by their children, their work, and their illusion of safety in a rapidly changing world.
But menace skulks among this exclusive enclave. When the Wilde family arrive, they trigger their neighbors' worst fears. Dad Arlo's a gruff has-been rock star with track marks. Mom Gertie's got a thick Brooklyn accent, with high heels and tube tops to match. Their weird kids cuss like sailors. They don't fit with the way Maple Street sees itself.
Maple Street's Queen Bee, Rhea Schroeder-a lonely professor repressing a dark past-initially welcomed Gertie, but relations plummeted during one summer evening, when the new best friends shared too much, too soon. By the time the story opens, the Wildes are outcasts.
As tensions mount, a sinkhole opens in a nearby park, and Rhea's daughter Shelly falls inside. The search for Shelly brings a shocking accusation against the Wildes. Suddenly, it is one mom's word against the other's in a court of public opinion that can end only in blood.
Riveting and ruthless, Good Neighbors is "a chilling, compulsively readable novel that looks toward the future in order to help us understand how we live now" (Kevin Wilson, author of Nothing to See Here ).
Ratings (8)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (22):
Read It (8) | |
Want To Read (9) | |
Not Interested (5) |
2 comment(s)
I love stories about the darker aspects of human nature. Sarah Langan did a phenomenal job with this one. One part “The monsters are due on Maple street” episode of The Twilight Zone and one part “The distributor” by Richard Matheson. Good neighbors unravels a story about how groups of people can and do turn to despicable actions when they are overwhelmed by negative emotions they are unable to process and unwilling to face the truth about themselves. This is my first book of 2024 and it is a solid 5 stars for me.
I really enjoyed this story that touched on multiple topics like global warming, how cruel humans actually are, and mental illness. I listened to this book and was done in one, maybe 2 days tops.
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Good Neighbors?
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