Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell on June 1, 2021
Genres: Fiction / Thrillers / Domestic, Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense, Fiction / Women
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
“Invisibility was my favorite state of existence.”
Owen Pick’s life is falling apart. In his thirties, a virgin, and living in his aunt’s spare bedroom, he has just been suspended from his job as a geography teacher after accusations of sexual misconduct, which he strongly denies. Searching for professional advice online, he is inadvertently sucked into the dark world of incel—involuntary celibate—forums, where he meets the charismatic, mysterious, and sinister Bryn. Across the street from Owen lives the Fours family, headed by mom Cate, a physiotherapist, and dad Roan, a child psychologist. But the Fours family have a bad feeling about their neighbor Owen. He’s a bit creepy and their teenaged daughter swears he followed her home from the train station one night. Meanwhile, young Saffyre Maddox spent three years as a patient of Roan Fours. Feeling abandoned when their therapy ends, she searches for other ways to maintain her connection with him, following him in the shadows and learning more than she wanted to know about Roan and his family. Then, on Valentine’s night, Saffyre Maddox disappears—and the last person to see her alive is Owen Pick.
Set against the backdrop of contemporary London, this novel skillfully explores the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of hidden secrets, and the blurred lines between perception and reality. One of the novel’s strengths lies in Jewell’s ability to craft multi-dimensional characters that resonate with authenticity. Each character is meticulously developed, their flaws and vulnerabilities laid bare for the reader to dissect and empathize with. Jewell expertly navigates the psychological landscape of her characters, delving into the intricacies of trauma, loneliness, and the quest for connection. Owen Pick, a socially awkward teacher with a troubled past, stands out as a particularly well-crafted character. His narrative arc is compelling, and Jewell skillfully addresses issues of toxic masculinity and societal expectations.
The pacing of the novel is impeccable, with Jewell gradually building tension and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The alternating perspectives provide a multifaceted view of the story, allowing for a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and actions. The plot twists are cleverly executed, and the revelations are both surprising and satisfying, adding an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.
Invisible Girl masterfully weaves a tapestry of suspense, mystery, and social commentary, earning its well-deserved 4.5-star rating. While the resolution may leave some readers craving more closure for certain characters, the ambiguity serves as a reflection of the unpredictable nature of life and human relationships. With its engrossing narrative and relevant themes, this book is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and psychological thrillers alike.