Obsession by Amanda Robson Book Review

Okay, I thought this book was going to be a little weird, but what I got was insane. I was intrigued by this months ago so when I got it for my birthday I was keen to start it straight away. Quite quickly I realised it wasn't going to be as I expected and a much darker story than any other I've read recently.

'One evening, a wife asks her husband a question: Who else would you go for, if you could? It's a simple question - a little game - that will destroy her life. Carly and Rob are a perfect couple. They share happy lives with their children and their close friends Craig and Jenny. They're lucky. But beneath the surface, no relationship is simple: can another woman's husband and another man's wife ever just be good friends? Little by little, Carly's question sends her life spiralling out of control, as she begins to doubt everything she thought was true. Who can she trust? The man she has promised to stick by forever, or the best friend she has known for years? And is Carly being entirely honest with either of them?'

My review

This might sound a little petty but the first thing I picked up on with this book, was that there seemed to be some basic mistakes that had been missed in the editing. The main one being that in the synopsis it says 'Jenny' but throughout the whole book it's spelt 'Jennie'. That stood out to me straight away and from then on I noticed a few other little things which you would assume would have been picked up on before publishing. Anyway, it's only a few small details but it was obvious to me so I thought it was worth a mention. So now onto the story, we are thrown straight in with this book, there is no hanging about. Within a few pages, Carly asks the question 'Who else would you go for if you could?' and whilst you know it's going to start a whole load of drama, I never expected it to go as far as it did. Rob, not really thinking answers that he's always liked their best friend Jenny, and that's when things really get going.

As it says in the synopsis Rob and Carly are the perfect couple so I was shocked at just how badly things spiralled out of control. Instantly after that one question, you see that each character isn't as they seem and straight away I felt so uneasy because of Carly. Amanda Robson has written this in a way that makes you genuinely feel tense the whole way through the book and I can't even say the amount of times I felt so uncomfortable, I considered stopping reading. I just couldn't believe some of the things that were said, even with the characters Craig and Jennie who at first come across much more 'normal' than Carly and Rob. Each person was so unlikeable, I didn't connect with any of them, and whilst I'm sure that was what Amanda wanted with this book, I do usually like to have someone to root for, someone I feel invested in, so I wasn't sure how to feel for the majority of this.

I also found this book to be very up and down in that one minute I was desperate to keep reading and it really picked up the pace but then other times I was just bored and found myself skimming parts until it seemed to go somewhere again. I know not each book can be exciting all the way through but one thing to note with this is that it's extremely religious, something else I had no clue about before starting. Not that it's an issue at all but sometimes there was almost too much focus on that side of it for some of the characters and I just got a little bit lost.

This has probably come across quite negative so far which isn't my intention but I'm just very conflicted with it all! The main thing I did like was how the story was told by all 4 characters. It would constantly switch from Carly to Rob, Jennie to Craig and I didn't find this confusing at all. Each chapter flowed brilliantly. It was actually nice to hear from each person and get inside their minds as even though it was Carly who started everything, each person was affected differently by it.

I suppose all that's really left to say is that I do think it's worth a read if psychological thrillers are your sort of thing. Whilst it was far more sinister than I expected at times and left me feeling quite uncomfortable for most of it, I am glad I read it actually. It's just unlike any other book I've read before, it's genuinely shocking so I just don't think my mind could comprehend everything that was going on at some points!

If you've read Obsession, I'd absolutely love to know what you thought!

Book reviews - Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell // The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet

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Mini Film Reviews #2 - A Simple Favour, Sweeney Todd & More

It feels like ages ago since I shared my first post in a new series of mini film reviews so I thought it was about time for another. During this time of year we have so many movie nights so we've been watching all sorts, let me know if you've seen any of these too. Ignore that one of them is a Christmas film, I planned on putting this up much earlier in the month!

Rock Of Ages - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A musical I'd been meaning to listen to for a while and the film seemed like the perfect thing to start with. With the songs of Journey, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and more, it tells the story of two aspiring singers, Sherrie played by Julianne Hough and Drew played by Diego Boneta. Whilst chasing their dreams, a misunderstanding involving rock god Stacee Jaxx played by Tom Cruise threatens to tear them apart. First of all, I absolutely loved the music, just classic hits one after the other and secondly the cast is so strong, aswell as the people already mentioned it also stars Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Mary J Blige, Malin Akerman and also Catherine Zeta Jones who is basically a queen of musicals. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I've already re-watched it a few times.

Sweeney Todd - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why did I not watch this sooner?! Of course I'd heard of Sweeney Todd before and it had been a film on my to watch list for a while but it wasn't until the end of last year I finally thought to put it on. I absolutely loved it though! I'm such a fan of musicals anyway as I'm sure you know by now so I loved it for the songs but overall I think everything about it is brilliant. Just in case you don't know what it's about, it stars Johnny Depp as Sweeny Todd who returns after 15 years to London after being falsely convicted of a crime he didn't commit. He vows revenge, applying his razor to unlucky customers and shuttling the bodies down to Mrs Lovett who uses them in her pie shop. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are fantastic together and the whole film was just one of the best I've watched recently.

Nativity Dude Where's My Donkey? - ⭐⭐⭐

The first two Nativity films are a go to watch of mine at Christmas but it wasn't until last December I finally got round to seeing the third, Dude Where's My Donkey? You know from the title it's going to be silly but that's what the Nativity films are, something for the whole family to enjoy. Unfortunately I think this film went a little too far with that. The plot seemed a little all over the place, the songs weren't as good and generally I wouldn't say it was quite as funny as the previous films. It was still a nice watch and I'm probably not the main target audience so I'm sure kids would still love it but I don't think I'd rush to see it again. That being said I'd like to see the 4th film that's currently in the cinemas just to see how it works without Marc Wootton playing Mr Poppy. The first with Martin Freeman is definitely still my fave, such a lovely film.

A Simple Favour - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had been desperate to watch this for ages! We didn't get around to seeing this at the cinema but I'd heard such good things about it so I was really intrigued to see if it would live up to all of it's hype. Anna Kendrick plays Stephanie, a mummy vlogger who wants to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily's (Blake Lively) sudden disappearance from their small town. I ended up really enjoying this and I think all of the praise it's been getting has been so deserved. It has a great story and the cast are brilliant, it was great to see Henry Golding from Crazy Rich Asians in this too who I mentioned in my last mini film review post. I did find it a little confusing at times not knowing who was playing who at the end and what Emily's real plan had been but maybe that's just me. I'd love to watch it again.

The Festival - ⭐⭐⭐

I think you can tell from the trailer alone this is a bit of a silly, Inbetweeners style movie but I just felt like putting something on to have in the background one weekend recently and so I chose this. Joe Thomas who is known for playing Simon in The Inbetweeners, is Nick, a young man who thinks his life is basically over after his girlfriend dumps him at graduation. His best friend has a solution though, three days at a giant music festival. Whilst some bits are a bit gross and cringey, it was what I expected it to be - a silly British comedy. I wouldn't be in a rush to watch it again but it wasn't quite as bad as I thought it might be. Nick's character is basically Simon though, there was no difference at all between them!

Have you watched any of these films too? Would love to know what you thought if so!

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3 Musicals I'd Like To See In 2019

Being such a huge fan of all things musical theatre, I have a ridiculous list of shows I'd like to see. From classics like The Phantom Of The Opera to more modern ones like Mean Girls, there are so many incredible shows playing all over the world. I've been lucky enough to see 4 so far - Wicked, Kinky Boots, Heathers and Hamilton, and I'd love to add to that list in 2019 so here are three I'm really hoping/planning on seeing before the end of the year.

Come From Away

'This joyous new musical shares the incredible real-life story of the 7000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11 and the small Newfoundland community that invited these 'come from aways' into their lives. An uneasiness turned into trust and music soared into the night, gratitude grew into friendships and their stories became a celebration of hope, humanity and unity.' 

We've actually already booked our tickets for this and I cannot wait to see it! I first listened to the original soundtrack last year and soon completely fell in love with the story and the music. It's the one soundtrack that can make me emotional in an instant so I have no doubt I will be a mess by the end. It's received so much praise everywhere it's opened so far, as it's such an important show and knowing it's real life only makes it even more special for people I think. I have no doubt it will do brilliantly once it starts in London at the end of January. The queen herself Rachel Tucker is playing Beverley Bass too so I am incredibly excited to see her again after loving her in Wicked.

Waitress

Based on the 2007 film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who unexpectedly becomes pregnant and feels trapped in an unhappy marriage. Looking for a way out, she sees a pie contest in a nearby county and it's grand prize as her chance.

I have been listening to the soundtrack of this for SO long so I was thrilled when they announced it was transferring to the West End, and even better to the Adelphi Theatre after the closing of Kinky Boots. It's such an empowering musical about strength, hope and love and how it's okay to make mistakes and for your life to maybe take a different path than you planned. It features original music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, who has done an absolutely amazing job and I'm just desperate to see how those songs play out on stage. When the casting was originally announced for the West End run, I wasn't 100% sold on the news that Katharine McPhee would be playing Jenna but I'm intrigued to see what she does with the role, and also the fab David Hunter, fresh from playing Charlie Price in Kinky Boots is playing Dr Pomatter too so I can't wait to see him in this.

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Dear Evan Hansen

'A letter that was never meant to be see, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he's always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Both deeply personal and profoundly contemporary, Dear Evan Hansen is a new American musical about life and the way we live it.'

This musical stood out to me quite a while ago as a lot of it is centred around social anxiety, something I know all too much about. One of the main songs 'Waving Through A Window' got me the first time I listened to it as I felt I could relate to it so much and since then this show has been on my list to see one day. Luckily it is transferring to the West End and is opening towards the end of 2019 at the Noel Coward Theatre. Dear Evan Hansen definitely isn't the most uplifting musical and it's pretty much guaranteed to make you cry but I think it's really special. I'm sure it's one lots of people will relate to for a number of reasons.

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I'm always planning for the next show, I just can't help myself, so fingers crossed I manage to see all of these this year. I'd love to know if you have any theatre trips planned?

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A Little Book Haul

It's been a while since my last book haul, not because I haven't been buying books, but because I've been getting through them all so quickly! I've actually ended up reading two of the books in this post already this week but I thought as I got quite a few for my birthday, I'd share them anyway in case you're in need of a few recommendations.

Everything I Know About Love - Dolly Alderton

I've had so many recommendations for this so when I was ordering a few books last week, I decided to grab it, even better that it was on offer for only £6 too. After reading so much fiction over the last few months, well most of 2018 really, this was a welcome change. It won autobiography of the year at the National Book Awards and it was shortlisted for Waterstones Book Of The Year 2018 so I was so excited to read this and it didn't disappoint. I'll have a full review up in a few weeks!

'When it comes to the trials and triumphs of becoming a grown up, journalist and former Sunday Times dating columnist Dolly Alderton has seen and tried it all. She vividly recounts falling in love, wrestling with self-sabotage, finding a job, throwing a socially disastrous Rod-Stewart themed house party, getting drunk, getting dumped, realising that Ivan from the corner shop is the only man you've ever been able to rely on, and finding that your mates are always there at the end of every messy night out. It's a book about bad dates, good friends and - above all else - about recognising that you and you alone are enough.'

Our House - Louise Candlish

I think this has only recently been released so it was a pretty last minute addition to my order but once I read the synopsis, I was so intrigued, I just to had to buy it. I know the whole point is that we obviously don't know what is going to happen throughout but I genuinely can't figure out how something so drastic could happen and what events could possibly lead to it. From the reviews I've read, it's apparently quite a shocking read and leaves you on edge right until the very last line, so it's safe to say I'm desperate to start this!

'On a bright morning in the London suburbs, a family moves into the house they've just bought on Trinity Avenue. Nothing strange about that. Except it's your house and you didn't sell it. When Fi Lawson arrives home to find strangers moving into her house, she is plunged into terror and confusion. She and her husband Bram have owned their home for years and have no intention of selling. How can this other family possibly think the house is theirs? And why has Bram disappeared when she needs him most? Bram made a catastrophic mistake and now he is paying. Unable to see his wife, his children or his home, he has nothing left but to settle scores. As the nightmare takes grip, both Bram and Fi try to make sense of the events that led to a devastating crime. What has he hidden from her - and what has she hidden from him? And will either survive the chilling truth - that there are far worse things you can lose than your house?'

I Know My Name - C.J. Cooke

I love mystery books and this one had me on the edge of my seat all the way through. I read Then She Was Gone recently which was also about a missing person and though this is obviously a little different, I thoroughly enjoyed all of the tension that it had so I thought this would be quite similar. I loved piecing all of the clues together as I went along but the reveal was nothing like I expected. I'm actually not sure whether to even write a review on this or not as it seriously creeped me out!

'Kommeno Island, Greece: I don't know where I am, who I am. Help me - A woman is washed up on a remote Greek island with no recollection of who she is or how she got there. 

Potter Lane, Twickenham, London: Eloise Shelley is officially missing - Lochlan's wife has vanished into thin air, leaving their toddler and twelve-week-old baby alone. Her money, car and passport are all in the house, with no signs of foul play. Every clue the police turn up means someone has told a lie... Does a husband ever truly know his wife? Or a wife know her husband? Why is Eloise missing? Why did she forget? The truth is found in these pages...'

The Guilty Wife - Elle Croft

I'd actually not heard of this book before I got it for my birthday but it's exactly like what I would pick up myself. A psychological thriller that's full of twists and turns. I've read so many thrillers over the last year, some have left me a little disappointed but most I've been left thinking about for days so I'm excited to see how this compares. I already think Bethany is going to be such an interesting character.

'I'm guilty of many things. But I'm innocent of murder. Bethany Reston is happily married. But she's also having an affair with a famous client. And no one can ever know. When Bethany's lover is brutally murdered, she has to hide her grief from everyone. But someone knows her secret. And then one day the threats begin. With an ever-growing pile of evidence pointing to her as the murderer, the only way she can protect her secrets is to prove her innocence. And that means tracking down a killer.'

Johnny Be Good - Paige Toon

And to round this post off, I had to order another one of Paige Toon's book. I've read three of her books so far, and thoroughly enjoyed them all, even if they do usually break my heart a little, so I'm keen to try and get through them all at some point. The one I decided to go for this time was Johnny Be Good which I think is one of her most popular books so I have no doubt I'll love it just as much as the others I've read. This also has a sequel and a small story available on Kindle so it's going to be a decent one to get stuck into I think!

'Celebrity PA to wild boy of rock Johnny Jefferson, Meg's glam new life in sun-drenched LA is a whirlwind of showbiz parties and backstage passes. Cool, calm Christian, in town to write his famous friend's biography, helps keep Meg's feet firmly on the ground. But with Johnny's piercing green eyes and a body Brad Pitt would kill for, how long will it be before she's swept right off them again?'

At the moment I love nothing more than finding time in the evening to get cosy and read a couple of chapters of a book so it probably won't be long before there's another post like this. What books have you read recently?

Book reviews - One Perfect Summer by Paige Toon // Million Love Songs by Carole Matthews

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