I love a good thriller that keeps me on the edge of my seat, turning pages as fast as possible! Was this one of those? Scroll on down for my full review at the bottom of this post.
The Girl From Home
A Novel
By Adam Mitzner
Published by Gallery Books
Hardcover: 336 pages
April 5, 2016; $26.00
9781476764283
Description
The acclaimed author, whose recent novel of suspense Losing Faith was declared "startling . . . a well-crafted story" (Kirkus Reviews), takes you on a gripping psychological thrill ride in this electrifying tale of a millionaire who will go to deadly lengths to get what he wants.
Jonathan Caine is a true master of the universe -- a currency wizard with a trophy wife, a penthouse condo with a view of the Statue of Liberty, and the desire for more -- when his world comes crashing down, spiraling him into a relentless fall from grace. Devastated, Jonathan returns to his hometown to care for his ailing father and attend his twenty-fifth high school reunion, where he becomes reacquainted with former prom queen Jacqueline Williams. Back in the day, Jackie didn't even know Jonathan existed. Now she is intrigued by the man he has become. But their budding relationship has problems, not the least of which is Jackie's jealous and abusive husband. Jonathan is determined to learn from his mistakes, but is he capable of complete transformation? Or will a shocking temptation test his desire for redemption beyond anything he could have imagined?
Author Bio
Adam Mitzner, author of The Girl from Home, is a lawyer by day and the author of Losing Faith, A Case of Redemption, and A Conflict of Interest. He lives with his family in New York City.
For more information please visit http://adammitzner.com.
My Review
The fact is, this story is very well written, and I enjoyed the non-linear structure of the first half of the book. However, I had a really hard time getting into this story at the beginning, because the main character is very unlikable (for me). The main character, Jonathan Caine, is egotistical, superficial, selfish, and money-driven. These are all traits that annoy me. Plus, there was his repetitive mantra: "I want what I want." And it seemed women in the story were only of value if they were good-looking. Hmm.
But I pushed through, hoping there would be plot elements that would allow for some character redemption for bothersome-little-old Jonathan. I can't say Jonathan ever grew on me, and I can't say he was redeemed in the end. Frankly, he was a liar, cheat, and a crook. Other than disliking the main character and the sexism in the book (a lot) ... the story questions kept me turning the pages to find out how the plot would be resolved.
Sexism:
"Ross raises a fist and flicks his wrist while making the pussy-whipped sound." (page 29)
"There are two tables of women in the back who appear to be well into their sixties, and Jonathan tries to imagine what event brings together a group of that age." (page 73) --- UH SERIOUSLY? Are women supposed to just stay at home and never go out in public after a certain age?
Cussing, sex, and violence: There was a bit of it all in this book.
I'm not sure I was the target market for this story. I read a LOT of thrillers and horrors, but ... I felt disconnected from this one. Do I recommend it? If you don't mind a main character that is unlikable - yes, because it's very well written.
[I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion at all.]
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