Take a moment to think back to the early spring of 2020. What was your life like right before the pandemic forced us all into a lockdown? I had just purchased my first home and had spent the week off of work, moving in. I returned to work and was surprised to learn that we were attempting to social distance. Up until that point, COVID was something affecting people on the other end of the world, not something we had to worry about at home. How wrong I was. A week later, everything was shut down and I was working from home, unsure of what the future would hold.
As the pandemic went from being a short two-week lockdown to the long-term "new normal" that we've grown to live with for nearly two years, it was inevitable that this reality would find its way into books. I mean, how could an author avoid at least tangentially touching upon an event that was impacting the majority of civilization? Enter Catherine Ryan Howard and her latest thriller 56 Days. I first learned of her intent to write a "COVID thriller" as she publicized her novel The Nowhere Man during an Instagram Live interview. I was instantly drawn to her willingness to embrace the pandemic head-on. In an ultimate lemonade from lemons scenario, she was attempting to turn the uncertainness that comes with a lockdown into a thriller. As soon as her publisher offered a copy of the novel to me, I jumped at the chance to read her work.
The novel begins innocently enough. When we first meet Ciarra and Oliver, COVID-19 isn't on anyone's mind. The couple meets at the local supermarket and instantly connects over a shared interest in space exploration. Both are new to the city and haven't really put themselves out there up until now. A first date goes well and the pair vow to meet again. Here's where things begin to get tricky. As the couple prepares for date number two, the entire country enters a lockdown. COVID is beginning to spread, so citizens are asked to quarantine with their own households, work from home, and avoid traveling for any "non-essential" needs.
Eager to not lose the momentum of their new relationship, Ciarra and Oliver decided to proceed in an unconventional way. Rather than postpone their next meeting until after the two-week lockdown has been lifted, they decide to quarantine together. As the pair begin their time together, the truth behind their motivations begins to be revealed. Ciarra sees their quartine as a chance to truly get to know each other, find out if their love will flourish, and avoid the scrutiny of her family and friends. Oliver sees things a bit differently. While he tells Ciarra that he's locked down with her for the same reasons, he is actually keeping something from her. He knows that if Ciarra learned of his true identity, their relationship would be over in an instant. What Ciarra doesn't know can't hurt her. Or can it?
In 56 Days Catherine Ryan Howard spins the COVID pandemic into a devilishly twisted thriller that strings the reader along through paranoia-driven suspense. She employs shifting perspectives and jumps back and forth in time to slowly reveal her hand, only giving the reader a tease of the things to come with each chapter. I'm always a bit hesitant at this tactic, but Ryan Howard uses it to maximum effect. My enjoyment of the novel was probably heightened by my own connection to quarantining during the pandemic. Every time a new ripple of the COVID crisis unfolded, I was reminded of my own experience going through those same developments. As such, it will be interesting to see how the novel plays when we are further removed from that history. With a timely plot, intriguing characters, and a twist ending that I didn't see coming, 56 Days gave me everything I could have dreamed of in a COVID thriller. I hope to work my way back to The Nowhere Man soon and will be eager to read whatever Catherine Ryan Howard conjures up next.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2021, 32)
How interesting. I know people have strong feelings about whether they want to read anything that has the pandemic in it. I can see it either way.
ReplyDeleteBut it sounds like the author did it well.
Karen @For What It's Worth
I found it kind of cathartic honestly.
ReplyDeleteA twisty thriller set during a covid quarantine sounds kind of awesome. I'm putting this one on my TBR list! :)
ReplyDeleteYou won't be disappointed!
DeleteLast year I read a pandemic book about a virus that spread. I enjoyed it but it was early last year and I haven't picked up another since then. Not sure I want to read that kind of book right now.
ReplyDeleteThis one is less about the virus and more about the strange situation most of us found ourselves in during quarantine. Still, I can understand that it may be too soon for some readers to relive those times.
DeleteWow, what an interesting (and timely) premise. I've yet to read anything by Hyde but I like the sound of this one.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first read from her too, but it certainly won't be my last!
DeleteHow interesting.
ReplyDeleteRight?
DeleteI've been so excited for this one for ages and now it actually holds up to the hype! I am such a fan of hers after The Nowhere Man, and I cannot wait to get to this one -- and yes I read your review bc I totally had to knowif it was good :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to let me know what you think of it! In the meantime, I need to rush to read The Nowhere Man haha
DeleteOh, I'm wondering what Oliver is hiding! I like the sound of this one! I read The Liar's Girl by CRH and liked it.
ReplyDeleteThere's a movie that was so eerily similar to our pandemic even though it came out well over ten years ago: Contagion. I watched it right after we went into lockdown and it was frighteningly similar to what we went through. Reminded me of this in a way.
I've seen the movie, but haven't been brave enough to watch it since the pandemic began. It's a little too true to life at the moment haha
DeleteI was at a big genealogy conference in Salt Lake City in February 2020. I remember there being signs all over encouraging us to wash our hands often and thoroughly, which felt like overkill. It was actually under-kill, crazily enough! I had a cold then and I have to say that thanks to masks, hand washing, and a COVID vaccination, I haven't had so much as a sniffle since then.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds excellent. I hadn't heard of it before, but I'm putting it on my TBR list now. Thanks for the heads-up!
I was in the same boat! I couldn't believe how cautious we were being for something that seemed so distant! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!
DeleteI must have this one!!
ReplyDeleteYes! You'll love it!
DeleteI read two books so far that mentioned Covid. One had a character's grandmother die from it and talked about masking and vaccination and whatnot. It was weird. I guess it had to creep into our books at some point. Glad the whole Covid thriller thing worked for you
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that broaching the subject within a book is a tricky ask. Especially as it could make readers uncomfortable. This one really manages to balance it in the best way possible.
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