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"An intelligent, erotically charged thriller with deep moral implications. Yvonne Carmichael, renowned geneticist, public authority, happily married mother of two, sits in the accused box. The charge is murder. Across the courtroom, not meeting her eye, sits her alleged accomplice. He wears the beautiful pin-striped suit he wore on their first meeting in the Houses of Parliament, when he put his hand on her elbow, guided her to a deserted and ancient chapel, and began to undress her. As the barrister's voice grows low and sinuous, Yvonne realizes she's lost herself and the life she'd built so carefully to a man who never existed at all. After their first liaison, Yvonne's lover tells her very little about himself, but she comes to suspect his secrecy has an explanation connected with the British government. So thrilled and absorbed is she in her newfound sexual power that she fails to notice the real danger about to blindside her from a seemingly innocuous angle. Then, reeling from an act of violence, Yvonne discovers that her desire for justice and revenge has already been compromised. Everything hinges on one night in a dark little alley called Apple Tree Yard. Suspenseful, erotically charged, and masterfully paced, Louise Doughty's Apple Tree Yard is an intelligent psychological thriller about desire and its consequences by a writer of phenomenal gifts"-- "Gripping literary thriller about a woman who makes one rash choice and ends up on trial for murder"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
What a marvellous novel.
I do need to declare a slight interest: I knew Louise Doughty at Leeds University some thirty years ago - we were both in the same intake into the English Department, and also lived in the same hall of residence. However, I am pretty confident that while that slight
The novel is narrated in retrospect by Yvonne Carmichael, a very successful academic scientist who has become a leading geneticist. As the novel opens she is recalling how she had been giving evidence at Portcullis House to a House of Commons Select Committee. Having completed her evidence she meets and falls in conversation with a strange man, who offers to show her a crypt below the House of Parliament.
From this unlikely opening she starts an affair with the man, who impresses her with his passion for secrecy. They meet again in a selection of different venues, including the Apple Tree Yard of the title. Much of the narrative takes the form of Yvonne writing letters on her computer knowing that she will never send them (she doesn't know her lover's name, let alone his email or house address!). Early on in their affair he gives her an unregistered mobile phone and insists that she should only contact him by that. Because of all of this secrecy Yvonne begins to wonder whether her lover is a spy.
Shortly after their liaison in Apple Tree Yard something dreadful happens. Doughty captures this marvellously - her descriptions of the aftermath struck me as utterly plausible. The nature of the narrative changes at this point, and we learn far more about Yvonne's past life, her husband and her family whom, hitherto, have only been the subject of passing references.
Beautifully written and immaculately plotted - quite definitely one of the finest novels I have read this year.
Well done Louise!
I do need to declare a slight interest: I knew Louise Doughty at Leeds University some thirty years ago - we were both in the same intake into the English Department, and also lived in the same hall of residence. However, I am pretty confident that while that slight
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connection may have prompted me to buy the book as soon as possible after its publication, it hasn't impacted at all upon my judgement of the book.The novel is narrated in retrospect by Yvonne Carmichael, a very successful academic scientist who has become a leading geneticist. As the novel opens she is recalling how she had been giving evidence at Portcullis House to a House of Commons Select Committee. Having completed her evidence she meets and falls in conversation with a strange man, who offers to show her a crypt below the House of Parliament.
From this unlikely opening she starts an affair with the man, who impresses her with his passion for secrecy. They meet again in a selection of different venues, including the Apple Tree Yard of the title. Much of the narrative takes the form of Yvonne writing letters on her computer knowing that she will never send them (she doesn't know her lover's name, let alone his email or house address!). Early on in their affair he gives her an unregistered mobile phone and insists that she should only contact him by that. Because of all of this secrecy Yvonne begins to wonder whether her lover is a spy.
Shortly after their liaison in Apple Tree Yard something dreadful happens. Doughty captures this marvellously - her descriptions of the aftermath struck me as utterly plausible. The nature of the narrative changes at this point, and we learn far more about Yvonne's past life, her husband and her family whom, hitherto, have only been the subject of passing references.
Beautifully written and immaculately plotted - quite definitely one of the finest novels I have read this year.
Well done Louise!
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LibraryThing member Schatje
Dr. Yvonne Carmichael, a middle-aged geneticist, someone with “status and gravitas,” finds herself accused of murder; her co-accused is a man with whom she had a torrid affair. She narrates much of the story in flashbacks detailing the events that bring her to a dock in Old Bailey.
Information
This book would probably be classified as a psychological thriller/courtroom drama, but it has more serious elements. It is really a novel about “the stories we tell in order to make sense of ourselves.” In the end, Yvonne’s lover is described as “a fantasist, a person who could only manage his normal life as long as it was propped up by a series of self-flattering tales” but throughout the reader notices that his identity is shaped by what she wants to believe about him rather than what she actually knows about him. Yvonne claims to be self-aware (“Self-awareness: it is one of the chief bonuses of advancing age.”), but the reader cannot help but wonder whether she really knows herself. Is she perhaps deceiving herself about herself as well as about others?
The problem is complicated when someone else is involved: “Relationships are about stories, not truth. . . . the minute you enter an intimate relationship with another person there is an automatic dissonance between your story about yourself, and their story about you.” During the court case, Yvonne also comes to understand that a series of facts can be arranged in a variety of ways: she sees lawyers manipulating the jury through “the misplacement of evidence from context” so they will interpret events in a certain way. She also realizes that “as a scientist, I have told more stories than I ever realized, or admitted to”: “I know how the whole point of presenting a new theory is to anticipate the counter-citations from those who will disagree with you and to have, up your sleeve, a list of counter-counter-citations.”
The novel also examines the treatment of women who are victims of sexual assault. Any woman charging someone with sexual assault must be prepared to have all secrets revealed by the defense attorneys: “’Internet searches, questioning friends and family and work colleagues, starts with that. If there’s nothing in your present life, they will get to work on your past, starting with tracking down your sexual history . . . They can do anything. If they are challenged, all they have to do is give a reason to the judge why it’s relevant to the defence.’”
I would definitely recommend this book. It is a compelling read with a great deal of suspense, and a chilling read because it emphasizes the consequences of choices and reminds us of the human tendency to deceive ourselves about ourselves and others. Yvonne may not be a totally reliable narrator, but how many of us are really reliable narrators of our own “personal mythologies.”
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is parceled out slowly. The identity of the murder victim isn’t known until midway through the novel. Even the lover’s name is not revealed until two-thirds of the way through the book; Yvonne addresses her lover throughout, but only as “you” or “X.” This technique of withholding information certainly adds to the suspense. And although there is a prologue that hints at the verdict, suspense during the trial is maintained. This book would probably be classified as a psychological thriller/courtroom drama, but it has more serious elements. It is really a novel about “the stories we tell in order to make sense of ourselves.” In the end, Yvonne’s lover is described as “a fantasist, a person who could only manage his normal life as long as it was propped up by a series of self-flattering tales” but throughout the reader notices that his identity is shaped by what she wants to believe about him rather than what she actually knows about him. Yvonne claims to be self-aware (“Self-awareness: it is one of the chief bonuses of advancing age.”), but the reader cannot help but wonder whether she really knows herself. Is she perhaps deceiving herself about herself as well as about others?
The problem is complicated when someone else is involved: “Relationships are about stories, not truth. . . . the minute you enter an intimate relationship with another person there is an automatic dissonance between your story about yourself, and their story about you.” During the court case, Yvonne also comes to understand that a series of facts can be arranged in a variety of ways: she sees lawyers manipulating the jury through “the misplacement of evidence from context” so they will interpret events in a certain way. She also realizes that “as a scientist, I have told more stories than I ever realized, or admitted to”: “I know how the whole point of presenting a new theory is to anticipate the counter-citations from those who will disagree with you and to have, up your sleeve, a list of counter-counter-citations.”
The novel also examines the treatment of women who are victims of sexual assault. Any woman charging someone with sexual assault must be prepared to have all secrets revealed by the defense attorneys: “’Internet searches, questioning friends and family and work colleagues, starts with that. If there’s nothing in your present life, they will get to work on your past, starting with tracking down your sexual history . . . They can do anything. If they are challenged, all they have to do is give a reason to the judge why it’s relevant to the defence.’”
I would definitely recommend this book. It is a compelling read with a great deal of suspense, and a chilling read because it emphasizes the consequences of choices and reminds us of the human tendency to deceive ourselves about ourselves and others. Yvonne may not be a totally reliable narrator, but how many of us are really reliable narrators of our own “personal mythologies.”
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LibraryThing member Beamis12
There is absolutely no doubt that Doughty is a talented writer, nor that this book is well written. I willingly followed where the author led, and in the beginning of the novel, alternately tried to understand Yvonne and at times even pitied her. In her fifties, having raised two children, one who
This is where I am beginning to not quite get on-board to wherever this novel is going. A smart successful woman, a crime, a cover-up, lies and this woman manages to fool herself the whole way. Is she innocent? How and why did this happen? I avidly read this train wreck of a woman's life to the very end. I did however, lose all sympathy and understanding of Yvonne, and that is the thing that is crucial to this story. If one can not continue to relate to Yvonne, find her understandable and likable despite the silly things she does, the story looses its oomph! That is what happened with me, that is why despite the wonderful writing in this book I could not really give it a higher rating. Read it yourself and see what you think.
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has bi-polar disorder, a husband who she had forgiven for having his own affair, a career as a geneticist at which she is very successful, but she is willing to throw it all away over a sexual affair. Okay, maybe she is bored, wants to shake up her life, add some spice, yes I am still on board, I can understand this. Yet, somehow she goes from this, to this supposed affair that is basically sexual, to acting like this is the great love interest of her life. Manages to fool herself that he quite possible feels the same? This is where I am beginning to not quite get on-board to wherever this novel is going. A smart successful woman, a crime, a cover-up, lies and this woman manages to fool herself the whole way. Is she innocent? How and why did this happen? I avidly read this train wreck of a woman's life to the very end. I did however, lose all sympathy and understanding of Yvonne, and that is the thing that is crucial to this story. If one can not continue to relate to Yvonne, find her understandable and likable despite the silly things she does, the story looses its oomph! That is what happened with me, that is why despite the wonderful writing in this book I could not really give it a higher rating. Read it yourself and see what you think.
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LibraryThing member andyjb
A gripping and readable story spoiled only by the "If only we had known then..." bits.
LibraryThing member Smiler69
Just finished listening to Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty and dashing off a quick review. I did not like it at all. I'm giving it a three-star rating though because it's a well told story, but the topic of sex and adultery is one that doesn't appeal to me in the least, and I found the story very
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grim and depressing. A respected researcher and scientist, Yvonne Carmichael, is happily married and with grown children when she meets a strange man wearing a snazzy suit one day while at the house of commons. He takes her down to the crypt to the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft (I did not know there was a church in the house of commons), where they have quick sex in a broom closet. From there they begin a sordid love affair, sordid because her unnamed lover is addicted to risky sex in unlikely places. This is supposed to be a smart woman in love with her husband and with everything to lose, and she nearly does when a work colleague rapes her when she gets drunk at a university party, which lead to even more dreadful consequences. I almost dropped it toward the beginning, but then stuck to it only because it was one of my favourites, Juliet Stevenson narrating and I knew things were bound to get interesting since it's a thriller. But I almost wish I hadn't read it, because I feel dirtied by it now. Wondering whether I should ask Audible for my credit back. I would certainly be in my rights, but then I guess it wouldn't be morally acceptable for me to publish a negative review in such a case, would it? I got this originally because of the narrator, as not infrequently buy books I know nothing about when they are read by someone I really like, and also because none other than Hilary Mantel and Helen Dunmore were among those who gave it rave reviews. I'm sure others who aren't turned off the topic of sex like I am will find it quite good. I blame the antidepressants for preventing me from fully enjoying it, but then I would need antidepressants anyway after finishing the book, so it all evens out in the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member shelleyraec
Apple Tree Yard wasn’t anything like what I was expecting from a cursory reading of the blurb and I think that played a part in my mixed feelings about this novel. Part psychological suspense, part courtroom drama, Apple Tree Yard explores the consequences of deceiving others, and
Yvonne Carmichael, middle aged wife, mother and renowned geneticist, puts her comfortable life in jeopardy when she plunges into an affair with an enigmatic stranger. The relationship with the man she refers to as ‘X’ begins as a passionate and exciting diversion from respectability but quickly descends into a nightmare of violence and betrayal.
Apple Tree Yard opens with Yvonne being cross examined as she sits in the dock of the Old Bailey. I have never been a fan of prologues and in this instance I think it serves as a spoiler, rather than simply an effective hook.
The narrative is written largely in the first person but moves back and forth through time revealing Yvonne’s personal history, the development of the affair and the courtroom drama that follows, examining choice and consequence.
I didn’t much like Yvonne though I thought she made for an interesting character. Doughty thoughtfully explores the choices Yvonne makes, the ways in which she interprets and rationalises her behaviour and the behaviour of others, especially that of X. Apple Tree Yard is not only about lust and adultery but also about the way in which we see ourselves.
“Relationships are about stories, not truth. Alone, as individuals, we each have our own personal mythologies, the stories we tell in order to make sense of ourselves to ourselves…. but the minute you enter an intimate relationship with another person there is an automatic dissonance between your story about yourself, and their story about you.”p329
I have to admit the first quarter or so of this novel was a bit of a struggle for me, and I thought there was a distinct lack of tension present overall. Yet Apple Tree Yard is an interesting story, offering insightful observations about the complexities of who we believe we are and what we are capable of.
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ourselves.Yvonne Carmichael, middle aged wife, mother and renowned geneticist, puts her comfortable life in jeopardy when she plunges into an affair with an enigmatic stranger. The relationship with the man she refers to as ‘X’ begins as a passionate and exciting diversion from respectability but quickly descends into a nightmare of violence and betrayal.
Apple Tree Yard opens with Yvonne being cross examined as she sits in the dock of the Old Bailey. I have never been a fan of prologues and in this instance I think it serves as a spoiler, rather than simply an effective hook.
The narrative is written largely in the first person but moves back and forth through time revealing Yvonne’s personal history, the development of the affair and the courtroom drama that follows, examining choice and consequence.
I didn’t much like Yvonne though I thought she made for an interesting character. Doughty thoughtfully explores the choices Yvonne makes, the ways in which she interprets and rationalises her behaviour and the behaviour of others, especially that of X. Apple Tree Yard is not only about lust and adultery but also about the way in which we see ourselves.
“Relationships are about stories, not truth. Alone, as individuals, we each have our own personal mythologies, the stories we tell in order to make sense of ourselves to ourselves…. but the minute you enter an intimate relationship with another person there is an automatic dissonance between your story about yourself, and their story about you.”p329
I have to admit the first quarter or so of this novel was a bit of a struggle for me, and I thought there was a distinct lack of tension present overall. Yet Apple Tree Yard is an interesting story, offering insightful observations about the complexities of who we believe we are and what we are capable of.
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LibraryThing member missizicks
This was a mixed bag. The central core of the story (I won't spoil what it is) was very well written. The intrigue and court drama that surrounded it was a little far fetched, a little slight. The central core really affected me emotionally. The rest of it irritated me.
LibraryThing member Hemmie
This novel begins fairly light-heartedly, but soon descends into a twisting mystery. I am never sure if I actually like the protagonist. Towards the end of the novel, we spend a fair amount of pages in a court, which I am not keen on.
Having said this, it is definitely worth reading, and I recommend
Having said this, it is definitely worth reading, and I recommend
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this author. I've just bought another book by this author - I'm hooked! Show Less
LibraryThing member jayne_charles
Wow what an outstanding book. It grabs your interest with a glimpse of the later stages, and an intriguing second-person narrative. After a short while you realise that those early stages – good as they were – were no more than the initial manoeuvres of a roller coaster as it prepares to take
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its first breathtaking plunge. A point is reached where it becomes unputdownable. I stayed up late into the night reading the final sections. Brilliant writing – an author who knows exactly how much information to hand out and how much to withhold, an exciting and thought provoking plot, and a tense courtroom drama. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Show Less
LibraryThing member smik
Although Louise Doughty is a well-established novelist, this is my first outing with her.
The scenario of the novel is interesting, and I surmise that most female readers in their 50s or older have actually "been there", although we may not have taken the action that Yvonne Carmichael does. Yvonne
But things go seriously wrong when another man whom she doesn't find attractive decides to get in on the act.
Much of the novel is concerned with the trial that Yvonne becomes embroiled in, and the tension mounts as she tries to conceal damning truth from the court. Much of the focus is on whether she can actually recognise what has happened to her.
The scenario of the novel is interesting, and I surmise that most female readers in their 50s or older have actually "been there", although we may not have taken the action that Yvonne Carmichael does. Yvonne
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finds that her well-ordered life has become a bit predictable and a tad boring. Her husband has become sexually undemanding and their relationship is complacent. It makes her a surprisingly willing partner to a serial predator.But things go seriously wrong when another man whom she doesn't find attractive decides to get in on the act.
Much of the novel is concerned with the trial that Yvonne becomes embroiled in, and the tension mounts as she tries to conceal damning truth from the court. Much of the focus is on whether she can actually recognise what has happened to her.
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LibraryThing member DubaiReader
Middle-aged woman has sordid love affair.
I had previously read Whatever You Love by Louise Doughty and loved it, I gave it 5 stars. I admired the author's way with words and was totally absorbed by the book. Apple Tree Yard was also beautifully written, but I was not grabbed by the subject matter.
Yvonne Charmicael is in a somewhat staid marriage with a husband who she loves, but has grown bored of. She has a satisfying career as a geneticist but is reducing her hours towards semi-retirement. Her daughter is in a stable relationship, but her son has psychological problems and I'd have preferred the book to have been more about him.
Yvonne's love interest does not sound particularly sweep-you-off-your-feet-handsome. He is also married but that doesn't seem to stop him from chasing women for sex; I just couldn't understand how he was so successful at this!
I'm not a great fan of courtroom dramas and a large part of this book does take place in a courtroom. However, the psychological observations planted throughout the court case did make it somewhat more interesting. Still, the book slowed at this stage and I was ready for the end when it finally arrived. I did care what the verdict was, I hadn't completely lost interest in the characters by then, but I was definitely ready to move on to my next read.
In my opinion, not Louise Doughty's best.
I had previously read Whatever You Love by Louise Doughty and loved it, I gave it 5 stars. I admired the author's way with words and was totally absorbed by the book. Apple Tree Yard was also beautifully written, but I was not grabbed by the subject matter.
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A middle-aged woman who spontaneously decides to have sex with a complete stranger and then discovers it comes with a price, did not generate my sympathy at all.Yvonne Charmicael is in a somewhat staid marriage with a husband who she loves, but has grown bored of. She has a satisfying career as a geneticist but is reducing her hours towards semi-retirement. Her daughter is in a stable relationship, but her son has psychological problems and I'd have preferred the book to have been more about him.
Yvonne's love interest does not sound particularly sweep-you-off-your-feet-handsome. He is also married but that doesn't seem to stop him from chasing women for sex; I just couldn't understand how he was so successful at this!
I'm not a great fan of courtroom dramas and a large part of this book does take place in a courtroom. However, the psychological observations planted throughout the court case did make it somewhat more interesting. Still, the book slowed at this stage and I was ready for the end when it finally arrived. I did care what the verdict was, I hadn't completely lost interest in the characters by then, but I was definitely ready to move on to my next read.
In my opinion, not Louise Doughty's best.
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LibraryThing member maneekuhi
"Apple Tree Yard" (ATY) is a very well written novel about a sordid affair and its consequences. The quick pick-up and even quicker to follow sex is a bit of a dance, reminiscent for me of the opening scenes in the movie "Dressed to Kill" also executed in a rather prestigious backdrop, NYC's
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Metropolitan Museum of Art vs. London's Westminster in ATY. In both scenes the dye is cast and what follows is catastrophic for ATY's Yvonne as it was for Angie Dickinson in DTK. Contrary to what blurbs claim for ATY I did not find the story sexy nor erotic, rather it was a bit sordid and for that reason it was a very slow read for me. The plot was very interesting but the characters were nothing special, and I kept thinking this isn't going to end well. The English court room scenes were interesting and informative, but there is a key moment when Yvonne responds to a critical question with a one word answer - the honest one, but the wrong one. I didn't buy the reason for her response. I thought this could have been a "5" but the author made some choices I absolutely did not agree with. A haunting story, I'm sure it will stay with me for a few days. Maybe a 4.5 would be a more accurate grade....Certainly a 4.99 for those who like 'psychological' mysteries. Close but no cigar. Show Less
LibraryThing member infjsarah
This was OK but I also found it sordid - which it is meant to be but I don't read for sordid. All the characters are unlikeable. I liked the bit where the husband holds a knife to the lawyer's smarmy throat to make a point - found that very effective. And the court scenes are very accurate if
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you've ever experienced it - jury comes in, sits down, 10 mins later has to leave for legal arguments, comes back in, 10 mins later, time for break - yep it's just like that. Just OK as a read. Show Less
LibraryThing member flourgirl49
A highly successful female scientist (Yvonne), happily married, is seduced by a complete stranger (Mark, whose name we don't even find out until page 222). She then carries on an affair with this man even though he controls her, acts disdainful and ridiculously mysterious, and really doesn't treat
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her that well - in fact she falls in love with him and calls him "my love" even up until the end of the book when she is standing trial for being an accomplice to murder, which is his fault. Can a woman really be this stupid? I found it disgusting that Yvonne accepted all of Mark's behavior, acting like an insipid, lovestruck idiot when she should have kicked him to the curb immediately - she got no sympathy from me whatsoever! And what about Yvonne's husband? He is still with her at the end of the book with no conversation between them about her affair. I kept wondering why he stayed and how he now relates to his wife, but the author didn't see fit to reveal that to us. Annoying. Show Less
LibraryThing member Fluffyblue
The story seemed to start off as a bit of a romance, and as I'm not really interested in that type of book I wondered what I'd let myself in for. However, as the story progressed, and the characters developed you were pulled into the book and into the life of Yvonne. It was the sort of nightmare
The descriptions of The Old Bailey and the drama around the courtroom was excellent - really gripping and honest stuff.
Definitely one of the best books I've read this year.
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that you can actually imagine happening to somebody.The descriptions of The Old Bailey and the drama around the courtroom was excellent - really gripping and honest stuff.
Definitely one of the best books I've read this year.
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LibraryThing member jkdavies
Louise Doughty gives Yvonne Carmichael such a strong reasoned voice, and this tale of an illicit affair (is there another sort?) is all the more visceral for it.
The book opens with a scene from her trial, so we know that something has gone wrong, and we know that her mysterious nameless lover is
We hear of how the affair begins, and how Yvonne tries to keep it separate from her "real life", but when Yvonne is attacked by a colleague, and realises that her affair will prevent her reporting the attack to the police, things fall apart.
Compelling, just like the picture of the chimpanzee described by her barrister...
The book opens with a scene from her trial, so we know that something has gone wrong, and we know that her mysterious nameless lover is
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in the dock alongside her. We hear of how the affair begins, and how Yvonne tries to keep it separate from her "real life", but when Yvonne is attacked by a colleague, and realises that her affair will prevent her reporting the attack to the police, things fall apart.
Compelling, just like the picture of the chimpanzee described by her barrister...
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LibraryThing member kimkimkim
Something is just off for me and rather than struggle and squirm I just put it down.
LibraryThing member Icewineanne
Apologies, no time to write a full review. Suffice to say that I just loved this book. Cliché time - I just couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading the more of her books. Highly recommended.
LibraryThing member Daftboy1
This is an ok book, Bit slow but well written and researched.
Yvonne Carmichael a scientist embarks on an affair with a mysterious man
This book starts with a court case then the story is revealed.
Yvonne is raped by her colleague George she doesn't report it or tell her husband she tells her lover.
He pays George a visit it all goes wrong that's why there is a court case.
This book could have been 100 pages shorter. Worth reading though.
Yvonne Carmichael a scientist embarks on an affair with a mysterious man
This book starts with a court case then the story is revealed.
Yvonne is raped by her colleague George she doesn't report it or tell her husband she tells her lover.
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He pays George a visit it all goes wrong that's why there is a court case.
This book could have been 100 pages shorter. Worth reading though.
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LibraryThing member sianpr
Louise Doughty writes a taut thriller. The story is narrated by Yvonne Carmichael, a scientist with successful career, 50 something, married with grown up kids, nice house etc etc. who starts an affair with a man she meets while at the House of Commons - a series of events follow leading to both
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ending up on trial for murder at the Old Bailey. Doughty has plenty to say about female desire in older women & how women's sexual behaviour is judged- although as a 50 something woman I can't imagine how a quicky in a broom cupboard or in an alleyway is in any way sexually satisfying - these acts felt more like a plot device for the horrific events that follow and for commenting on the punishment that is meted out to Yvonne for impulsive sexual behaviour and infidelity. Nonetheless a gripping story. Show Less
LibraryThing member LaurieGienapp
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's written in first person, which can feel a bit odd... and throughout, the main character is 'talking' to another character... which also feels odd. As the reader, I felt like I was eavesdropping, which is also odd.
But the story was interesting and unique,
But the story was interesting and unique,
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and kept me coming back for more. Show Less
LibraryThing member LARA335
Fascinating & unsettling psychological thriller. Yvonne, an unreliable narrator, reveals her story in unsent emails to her lover, of how she, a married career woman, embarked on an obsessive & strange affair, was assaulted, and ended up in a court room drama.
Well plotted & tantalisingly slowly
Well plotted & tantalisingly slowly
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revealed, with not likeable but believable characters Show Less
LibraryThing member marjorie.mallon
Really enjoyed this a lot. 4.5 stars. Highly recommended.
LibraryThing member terran
This was a very compelling book to listen to, even though the middle part bogged down a bit. A successful female geneticist is on trial for a unnamed crime at the beginning. We learn that she has been "lured" into an affair with a mystery man, even though she has been happily married and has two
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adult children. When she is raped by a colleague at the university where she teaches, she cannot recover from it and tragedy ensues. Details are gradually revealed which kept me reading, even though I found many of Yvonne's decisions and her lover's actions annoying. Show Less
LibraryThing member camharlow2
A spellbinding novel starting with the pivotal moment in the trial at the Old Bailey of Yvonne Carmichael and her co-defendant. The story then jumps back to the events leading up to this moment, taking us through the first meeting of Yvonne and Mark Costley and their subsequent love affair. In an
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absorbing retelling, Yvonne charts the speed of the affair and the passion that she feels for Mark after over 25 years of a respectable and successful marriage, family and career. But the affair is maimed when she is raped by a work colleague and Mark’s subsequent actions that lead to the courtroom. Louise Doughty’s taut writing draws you into Yvonne’s thoughts and feelings and holds you tight while leaving the verdict in the case in doubt until the very end and whether Yvonne’s life will survive the revelations of the trial. Show Less
Awards
Crime Writers' Association Awards (Shortlist — 2014)
British Book Award (Shortlist — 2013)