The Secrets of Strangers

This week we take a short but sweet look at a book that’s been on my TBR for a while now but I have only just got around to reading - The Secrets of Strangers by Charity Norman. Yay for NZ authors! This is the third book I’ve read by Norman and it did not disappoint. I have also reviewed See you in September which you can find here.

This book centres around the tension and drama of a hostage situation in a London cafe. (I was getting Anxious People vibes with this one - anyone else?). Norman masterfully crafts a narrative that delves deep into the lives of her characters, each a stranger to one another, brought together by circumstance. As the story unfolds, the secrets of these individuals are peeled back layer by layer, revealing complex backstories filled with pain, hope, and humanity.

Norman's skillful storytelling had me on the edge on my metaphorical seat - I did not want to stop reading. I was hooked! This had fabulous character development, a page turning plot, and awesome writing.

The dialogue is authentic, and the setting of the mundane turned perilous is the perfect backdrop for the exploration of human behaviour in stressful circumstances. The story not only presents a suspenseful plot but also prompts us to ponder broader social issues, such as mental health, justice, and the capacity for change.

I highly recommend this one! I’m definitely adding more by Norman to my list too because life is too short to read bad books.