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Sometimes I Lie

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you live for twisty, mind-bending psychological thrillers, "Sometimes I Lie" will keep you glued to the pages! The story’s told from the perspective of Amber, who’s in a coma but can hear everything happening around her. With timelines shifting between her present, recent past, and childhood diaries, and with an unreliable narrator at the helm, this book constantly keeps you guessing about what’s real and who you can trust. Fans of "Gone Girl," "Before I Go to Sleep," and unreliable narrators in general will have a blast trying to piece together the puzzle before the big (and multiple!) twists drop.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Readers who need lovable characters or a clear-cut, straightforward plot may struggle here. Most of the cast is complex and, frankly, pretty unlikable, which makes it hard to root for anyone. The book also juggles three timelines that sometimes blur together, which might confuse those who prefer linear storytelling. And if you’re not a fan of endless plot twists - or you need every thread tied up neatly by the last page - this book’s open-ended, dizzying finale may leave you frustrated. Additionally, there are some disturbing scenes (including on-page sexual assault) that some may want to avoid.

A dark, twisting psychological thriller packed with shocks and turns - perfect for fans of unreliable narrators and jaw-dropping endings, but not for those seeking likable characters or tidy resolutions.

About:

'Sometimes I Lie' by Alice Feeney is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Amber Reynolds, who finds herself in a coma and is struggling to uncover the truth about her past and present. The narrative jumps between different time periods, including present day, the week leading up to her coma, and her childhood diaries, adding layers of complexity to the plot. Readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep them engaged until the very end.

The writing style of 'Sometimes I Lie' by Alice Feeney has been praised for its ability to create a gripping and suspenseful atmosphere. features an unreliable narrator, multiple timelines, and a cast of unlikable characters, all of which contribute to the overall sense of mystery and tension. The author's use of diary entries and clever storytelling techniques adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Characters:

The characters are complex and often unlikable, contributing to the psychological tension and themes of deception in the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its engaging narrative that blends present and past, alongside deep psychological insights into character motivations.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a protagonist in a coma who recalls events from her life and past, revealing family tensions and secrets, while exploring themes of deception.

Setting:

The setting alternates between a hospital, where Amber is in a coma, and various locations that reveal her life before the accident.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with a slow build initially, picking up speed significantly in the second half, filled with unexpected twists.
I tiptoe downstairs in the early morning darkness, careful not to wake him. Everything is where it ought to be and yet I’m sure something is missing. I pull on my heavy winter coat to combat the cold ...

Notes:

The story is told in three time periods: Amber's present, her recent past, and her childhood diary entries.
Amber wakes up in a coma and can hear everything going on around her, but cannot move or speak.
Amber suspects her husband Paul had something to do with her accident, as their relationship seems strained.
The narrative plays with the concept of the unreliable narrator, with Amber admitting 'Sometimes I lie.'
Amber faces challenges in her personal and professional life, including a difficult relationship with her boss at a radio show.
The diary entries from Amber's childhood reveal secrets that influence her adult life.
Themes of jealousy and rivalry are explored between Amber and her sister Claire.
The book features significant plot twists that surprise readers, especially towards the end.
Amber's character is complex and flawed, prompting readers to question her reliability throughout the story.
The book has been described as a compelling psychological thriller with elements of suspense.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include instances of sexual assault, trauma, and violence.

From The Publisher:

ALICE FEENEY'S NEW YORK TIMES AND INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

"Boldly plotted, tightly knotted-a provocative true-or-false thriller that deepens and darkens to its ink-black finale. Marvelous." -AJ Finn, author of The Woman in the Window

My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me:

1. I'm in a coma.

2. My husband doesn't love me anymore.

3. Sometimes I lie.

Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can't move. She can't speak. She can't open her eyes. She can hear everyone around her, but they have no idea. Amber doesn't remember what happened, but she has a suspicion her husband had something to do with it. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, this brilliant psychological thriller asks: Is something really a lie if you believe it's the truth?

March 2017
374 pages

Ratings (123)

Incredible (17)
Loved It (41)
Liked It (41)
It Was OK (16)
Did Not Like (5)
Hated It (3)

Reader Stats (267):

Read It (134)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (105)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (25)

5 comment(s)

Incredible
1 week

Uno de los libros que más me ha gustado desde “la paciente silenciosa”

Un diez. Me ha mantenido intrigada, con ganas de seguir y seguir leyendo. Cuando parece que todo está claro, da un giro muy inesperado. Cuando parece que todo está ya en su sitio, vuelve a sorprender.

Me ha gustado mucho.

Es el primer libro que leo de esta autora. Y con ganas de leer otro!

 
It Was OK
10 months

The end was so confusing

 
Incredible
1 year

The book opens with Amber Reynolds in a coma after some kind of serious accident - she can't speak, move or even open her eyes but her mind is still able to function. The plot is unfolded in three strands: Amber in her comatose state, her recollection of the week leading up to the accident and a series of diary entries from twenty five years ago - This Book is very fast paced to the point I could not wait to get back to it and race through this book. There are twists and turns and more twists when you least expect it so you feel literally exhausted after reading it ( In a GOOD way ) I can't praise this book enough, it was simply fantastic and one of my faves so far this year!

 
Loved It
1 year

This was my third book fro. This author and the second book I've giving 5 stars too. I'm slowly getting cravings to read more from this author. I enjoyed Daisy Darker a bit more but this is close behind.

It has a lot of thrilling elements, juciy drama, a lot of twisty twists and mystery. Can't wait to start another book from Alicr Feeney.

 
Loved It
1 year

This book was a wild ride

 

About the Author:

Alice Feeney is a writer and journalist. She spent fifteen years with BBC News where she worked as a reporter, news editor, arts and entertainment producer, and One O'Clock news producer. Alice has lived in London and Sydney and has now settled in the Surrey countryside, where she lives with her husband and dog. Sometimes I Lie is her debut.

 
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