By: Stuart Turton
Synopsis:
The Rules of Blackheath: Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered at 11:00 p.m. There are eight days, and eight witnesses for you to inhabit. We will only let you escape once you tell us the name of the killer. Understood? Then let’s begin…
Evelyn Hardcastle will die. Every day until Aiden Bishop can identify her killer and break the cycle. But every time the day begins again, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest. And some of his hosts are more helpful than others…
My Thoughts:
Whoah! That was a wild ride! Fantastic! This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. I enjoyed the layers of people and timelines. I didn’t find it at all confusing jumping between hosts POV. I thought that made it very interesting. I found the twists and turns riveting, and hated when I would have to put the book down to rejoin real life for a little while.
The main character proved interesting as he tried to figure out who he was versus his hosts. I also really liked Anna throughout the novel, and hated when I found out what she had done. I do wish that had been explained better, but maybe the author preferred to let us use our imaginations there.
My only other complaint about the novel is I wish it had explained the technology/magic of the prison a little better. Are Aiden and Anna 30 years older when they leave than when they entered, or did they retain their original age through the constant looping? What is the world that they rejoin like? Minor questions that don’t affect the enjoyment of the novel, but interesting ones nonetheless.
My favorite thing about the book is the message on the changeability of people. I don’t think all people are capable of change, but I certainly believe most are. Actually, if I’m honest, my favorite part of the book is in “A Conversation with the Author” at the end of the book. Turton is asked “Is there a moral lesson to Aiden’s story or any conclusion you hope the reader walks away with as they turn the final page?” His answer: “Don’t be a dick! Kind, intelligent, and generous people are behind every good thing that’s ever happened to me. Everybody else you just have to put up with. Like dandruff. Or sunburn. Don’t be sunburn, people.”
These are just my thoughts. What are yours?
