The Power of a Narrative: A Review of I Let You Go
- Elvira Dimitrova
- Jun 27, 2018
- 2 min read
“It’s reactive, not proactive. We shouldn’t be sitting back, waiting for intelligence to come to us: we should be out there looking for it.”
Are you on the look out for the kind of narrative that captures your entire interest and doesn't set it free until you have read the last page? In that case, I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh is the perfect thriller for you. You get action, character development, an intriguing plot, drama and so many problematic issues of our modern world. And it's all in the same place! How ideal is this?
The story begins with the tragic death of a five-year old child and the mother weeping over his body, and then the investigation into the person who had hit Jacob and run away afterwards. The novel is divided into two parts. In the first one we get to examine the two main angles. One of them belongs to Jenna Gray and the way she is coping after the accident takes place. It is told through a first person point of view so we as readers are able to identify with her pain and her emotions, while the other focuses on the lead detective on the case, Ray, and his relation to his family and colleagues during the whole investigation process.
Even though the first part of the book might seem slower, I promise you it is worth the reading one hundred percent. Oh, that twist! Anyway, the first part focuses entirely on character and case development whereas the second one delves into the whole plot quite in depth.
What sparks me most when it comes to thrillers and crime books is certainly the characters and the way they are built. With the type of narrative adopted in this book, I have to admit that the effect is tremendously impactful and intense. In my opinion, that was the best part of the whole novel. Not only does it consistently bring to your growing interest, but it's also craftily written. As the story unfolds, the psychological thriller progresses. Therefore, I strongly recommend you to give this one a go. I am sure you will never see the twist coming.
I can't say much more without spoiling all the fun for you and that's partially the beauty of this novel. You cannot review it in detail without revealing a bit too much. Also, believe me, reading this book will bring you all kind of emotions - tears, sympathy, anger, love, empathy, and so much more. Most of all, however, it will leave you staring at the page, startled and taken aback by what you have just read, wondering if your eyes are actually decieving you. For me, this is what you call a mastery of the craft.
Have you already read this thriller? Perhaps there's a recommendation of another book in this genre that you have for me? If so, feel free to leave it in a comment below.
P.S: If you are a fan of surprises in novels, then make sure my non-spoilery review of I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak.
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