How well do you know your neighbors? The folks who live on either side of my house are always good for a wave or a quick chat, but I can't say I truly know them. I'm reminded of the countless news stories that we see where neighbors are shocked about the actions of the people living near them. Sentiments like "He was always such a nice guy" or "He was a quiet neighbor, never caused any problems" come to mind. The truth is we can never really know the people we choose to live by. In her debut English language novel The Quiet Tenant, French author Clémence Michallon explores the idea of the community everyman and the dark secrets he harbors.
Aiden Thomas is a hardworking utility lineman, known in his upstate New York community as an all-around good guy. He's the kind of guy who will drop everything to help out a friend in need. Car won't start? Call Aiden. Has the freezer at your restaurant stopped cooling? Give Aiden a ring. Along with his wife and teenage daughter, Aiden has become a pillar in his local community. There's more to Aiden, however, than meets the eye. He isn't the man everyone thinks he is. If his secrets were to come out, the community would be appalled to know him.
The woman in the shed has come up with a set of rules for staying alive. It is simple really. Do whatever he tells you, and you get to live. Anger him or go against what he says in any way, and you'll end up dead like the others. This is her reality, the life she's been forced to live for several years. He sneaks in food for her, a bucket to relieve herself, and books that belonged to the girls who came before her. He uses her body for his own primal pleasures. She lets him do what has to be done so that she can stay alive. Her life is completely at the mercy of this monster. This is the existence she has been resigned to, and there seems to be no way out.
The Quiet Tenant is a shockingly impactful psychological thriller that had me glued to each page. I couldn't put this one down! Clémence Michallon writes from three unique perspectives that give a holistic view of her horror story. There's the voice of the imprisoned woman, desperate for escape but aware that there's little hope for the life she lived before. There's also the voice of Emily, the next woman targeted by the abductor, though she's completely unaware of his true intentions. Finally, there's the voice of the abductor's daughter, a child living with a monster. By combining the POV of these characters Michallon vividly builds the world where her story takes place, inviting us into the psyches of everyone involved. Only the abductor's perspective is omitted, giving him an air of mystery and uncertainty that drives much of the suspense in the novel. The characters and their stories culminate in a pulse-pounding conclusion that will have you breathlessly turning the pages. The Quiet Tenant is a fantastic thriller that should go to the top of your summer reading list. My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy to review.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2023, 32)
It's always the quiet ones. I already feel for this woman.
ReplyDeleteHer parts in the book are gut-wrenching!
DeleteOh my goodness, I got chills just reading about this one. I'm intrigued but honestly it might be too disturbing for me.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite disturbing, but the author does an excellent job of focusing on the human side of things. The crime and violence don't steal the show.
DeleteThis one sounds very suspenseful...and very disturbing, too. As a woman I find these kinds of books really hard to read. But the three different POVs the author chooses to use interests me, especially that one of them is the abductor's own daughter rather than the abductor himself. Puts a unique spin on the story.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand the hesitation with the subject matter. What I really loved was that in only showcasing the perspective of the women in his life, they are given the final power over him. This is their story, not his.
DeleteThat's very cool. And would definitely make it easier for me to read this one because of that.
DeleteI would have a hard time reading this, because it happens in real life and that terrifies me, but I very curious to know if his captive gets free! I hope, I hope, I hope! What a vile man!
ReplyDeleteIt is so crazy to think that the fiction in this book is too often the reality for so many women. It makes it all the more terrifying!
DeleteExactly!
DeleteFantastic review. I'd love to listen to this one!
ReplyDeleteI bet it would make a great listen. So full of suspense!
DeleteI have been seeing this book everywhere and it sounds fantastic! I am going to have to hunt down the audiobook.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely the buzzy thriller of the summer, but worth all the hype!
DeleteOmg, chills. I hope he gets what is coming to him
ReplyDeleteIt gets pretty intense!
DeleteOh dang. This sounds like quite the story. I feel for the girl. I can't imagine how much she must go through.
ReplyDeleteShe goes through quite the intense journey!
DeleteAhhh this looks so good! Definitely right up my alley.
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Ash @ Essentially Ash
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It is probably going to be my favorite thriller of the summer!
DeleteThe French write some of the best thrillers. I'm reading some by Michel Bussi in English and French.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read a ton by French authors. If this is any indication of how great their thrillers are, I clearly need to read much more!
DeleteI love reading books that have been translated into English; I need to check out more. Thanks for sharing. This sounds intense, but good.
ReplyDeleteLauren @ www.shootingstarsmag.net
I believe she wrote this one in English, but still, such an intense thriller. I highly recommend it!
DeleteThis one sounds terrifying and riveting. I've debated about reading this one. I know my stomach would be in knots!
ReplyDeleteIt is very tense, but also very good!
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