Customer Reviews

Whispers and Lies: A Novel

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

This was the third book I have read by Joy Fielding. I loved See Jane Run and Grand Avenue, so I had high hopes for Whispers and Lies.

Right away I knew this book wasn't going to reach that high, as I disliked the main character, Terry, from the start. Allison wasn't much better -- I found her annoying at best. There's a part when Terry ponders 'listen to your instincts' and, as a reader, you want to yell WHAT DO YOUR INSTINCTS SAY ABOUT A 40-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO HANGS OUT WITH 20-SOMETHING DRINKERS AND DRUGGIES?

Ranting over, the book isn't bad, but unbelievable. When the "surprise" twist at the end finally happens, you think "A-HA!" for about a minute, then realize this is just as boring as the first 280 pages.

If you are a fan of Fielding, don't hold this book against her. If you've never read a book by her before, don't read this one first. It will turn you against her writing and she has some great stories out there. Read those instead.

While this book was quite a pageturner (I read it in one night), it's ending was quite a twist and really bothered me. It was well written and grabbed the reader's attention and for that I give it 3 stars. BUT ~ the direction in which the book went was terrible and I was upset for hours after I finished it.

Oh woe is me. Just when you think this book can't get any worse, it does. Silly, predictable, filled with cliches and oftentimes I cringed in embarrassment that such drivel could actually be published.

What a sad assortment of characters...spineless, indecisive, wishy washy Terry, annoying, grate on your nerves, Allison and a melange of unsavory males who are always lurking right outside Terry's window or making crank calls. I'm only grateful that this was obtained from the library and not an actual purchase. If anyone feels compelled to read it, I'd suggest you take the same route

I have read all of Joy Fielding's other books and have enjoyed them immensely, which is why I could not wait to read this book. I found it to be very disappointing, unsettling and, quite frankly, ridiculous at times. Looking back, I realize that a lot of it didn't even make sense. I would not recommend this book.

This book is the most manipulative book I've ever read in my life, and I'm a two-book-a-week-reader. I was so startled, angry and appalled at the climax and denouement of this novel, that I gasped aloud and wanted to throw the book across the room. Instead, when I finished, I threw it in the trash. Why one of my favorite authors would write this is just bewildering to me. I've loved all of Joy Fielding's past books. What happened here? People in my book group complained that Dennis Lehane's book, "Shutter Island" was manipulative. They should read this one! I'm still angry, months later. Joy, you can do so much better!

I won't summarize the book because too many other people already have. I will say I was intrigued through a lot of the story as to what would be revealed in the end about the intentions of the strange renter. But I was severely disappointed - I feel like the end was a total cop out and a blatant attempt to manipulate the reader. Every time I think about it I'm mad that I read this book. I don't know if I'll try any other Joy Fielding novels; this one left such a bad taste in my mouth I feel like I'd be an idiot to subject myself to it again.

After I finished this book last night I felt like I needed to take a long, hot shower. I have read almost every book by this author and enjoyed them for the most part, but this book was the exception.

Yes, it was a page turner, but like another reader I kept thinking "get to the point!". I could have also done without the animal cruelty, which I had to skip over. The characters, especially Terry the nurse, were very unlikable.

When I got the end I felt disgusted. I expect better from this author! And some of the things didn't add up, like Terry's odd reaction to the food and drink on all of the holidays. If you want a cheap read, go ahead and read this but don't expect much.

It's hard to believe this same author wrote "Grand Avenue" which was such a richly developed story. "Whispers and Lies" appears to have been written in a few days, with a reading level that almost approaches grammar school. This happens all too frequently with an author who feels confident that everyone will buy his or her books once they have have achieved a reputation based on earlier works. I don't see how Joy Fielding would even put her name on such garbage, much less write it. She certainly has lost this reader!

I didn't like this book at all. The protagonist, Terry, rents her cottage to a young woman named Alison Simms. Terry has been unlucky in love, unlucky in childhood and unlucky with tenants. Alison offers fun and friendship and introduces Terry to a rather questionable crowd.

Terry is not a likable character. A bitter nurse, she pins her hopes on having a romantic relationship with the son of one of her geriatric patients on the terminal ward. This starts off promising, but ends up a bust.

Parts of the story made no sense. Alison and her friends are a bizarre, eclectic bunch. A Thanksgiving celebration with them and Terry takes on a surreal tone; when they meet Terry at her job for New Year's, that is just too unrealistic. The sequence of events that take place near the ocean are stupid and implausible. In fact, all of the holiday scenes and beach scenes are ludicrous to the point of surreal.

Masks come off and villains change roles and places. The questions are is Alison who and what she claims to be, a newcomer to Florida in need of a place to stay and friends? Is Terry what she claims to be, a bitter, lonely nurse? And what of Alison's friends and Terry's former borders?

There are no winners here. My favoite part was when Terry sang "She Loves You" along with the Beatles when she heard the song on the radio. If that's the best this work has to offer...The ending is a bust and is a major disappointment. Skip this one. You'll find a plethora of better selections, yeah, yeah, yeah.

This one's a bust.

I have read every single one of Joy Fieldings books and enjoyed every one of them. I am only happy this was not the first book I read because it would have been the last. I would have missed out on so much. If this was her first book for you, keep trying you will not be disappointed.