August's Book Of The Month

I have read two particularly gripping thrillers this month, and choosing between the two as my 'read of the month' has not been an easy choice, however, I believe 'Afterwards' by Rosamund Lupton just slightly piqued the post!

If you enjoy a 'whodunnit' that is incredibly hard to put down, and entices you to read 'just one more chapter', then look no further than the masterfully crafted storyline of 'Afterwards', a crime novel that will leave you suspecting everybody, edging your nerves and playing havoc with your heartstrings (warning, I was emotionally drained at the end!).

Rosamund Lupton is a genius at pulling you into the story from the first few sentences, formulating the words in a mature way that draws you in and poetically entices your senses. I enjoyed how the author writes from the mother's outlook, in a powerfully adept way from an 'out-of-the-body' perspective (it reminded me of the movie 'Just Like Heaven', and those of you who have seen this Reese Witherspoon movie will understand the parallels I am referring to here).

The novel follows the story of a serious case of arson at a school, and the desperate attempt of Grace to find the answers and the face behind the attack, in a race to save her daughter's life, and her fight to stay alive.

The strong imagery throughout is painted in such a life-like way, and Rosamund Lupton artfully uses powerfully descriptive language to create a real vision for the reader, giving the illusion that you are there witnessing the story unfold before you.

When it comes down to it, ultimately the overwhelming theme is the indomitable, unconditional, fearless and selfless love of a mother, who will always choose the life of her child above her own.

This is the third novel I have read by Rosamund Lupton (the other two being 'Three Hours' and 'The Quality of Silence', which were also real page-turners!), and I highly recommend her as an incredibly talented author and masterful storyteller.