“The speed at which the flames lick up the
walls smotherin’ everythin’ is the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen. I can’t take
my eyes off the fire.So many colours. Whoever knew destruction could be so
beautiful? I slip my hand into my black nylon jacket pocket and fumble with the
box of matches. An erection stirs. The noise the match made when I struck it
was hypnotic. The way it burst into life. Somethin’ Born out of nothin’. Like
me.” (4)
Written in
1st person perspective, The Quiet Ones begins with a writer,
a “dinosaur” that still can’t come to terms with the Kindle. At first, you
really don’t know who’s talking. It begins with the POV of a pyromaniac (male)
and goes on to the view of a writer (female.) Who is Charlie? Yes, he’s the
writer’s husband, but does he end up being the pyromaniac? Wouldn’t that be
something, huh?
It starts
off reading more like a summary, a list of points and actions being taken
place; then it graduates into the realm of literary fiction—quite ambiguous
literary fiction. You can tell the author wants us to fill in the blanks. And
rather than chapters, the story is divided into dates, which basically dictates
a diary entry for the day.
The writing
was generally enjoyable and well-versed. Obviously the day-to-day life of a
writer trying to create a story was relatable to me. The writer is a British
lady with an eloquent and witty demeanor, and as you read on, you get to know her
better. The twisted thing is that there is also a sick murderer, one whose
thoughts we also hear in gruesome detail. Where does he tie into all of this? Will
he shatter the life of this peaceful writer? Will he go after her, too? But,
more importantly, who are the Quiet Ones?
This book
definitely had more questions than answers. So it’s a mystery—an oddly
compelling mystery that’ll keep you reading. Readers will be surprised by what
they discover. Trust me, I certainly didn’t see it coming.
My rating: 3.5 stars
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