Captivated by Lisa Jewell’s None of This Is True: A Thrilling Birthday Connection
There’s something almost serendipitous about diving into None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell, especially when you discover that the story revolves around two women turning forty-five, and—drumroll, please—I am also celebrating that milestone this year! It’s a cosmic coincidence that drew me in, and I was eager to explore the tangled lives of Alix and Josie. Between Jewell’s mesmerizing storytelling and the uncanny synchronicity of our birthdays, the stage was set for an addictive read.
In this psychological thriller, we meet Alix Summers, a successful podcaster with a compelling public persona, and Josie Fair, a seemingly inconspicuous woman whose profession is so mundane that I found myself struggling to remember it—perhaps intentionally so. Their encounter in a pub bathroom on the day of their shared birthday is nothing short of an intriguing kickoff. It’s one of those classic Jewell moments that instantly baits your curiosity. As the narrative progresses, Josie proposes a podcast documenting her life, promising drastic changes ahead, leading Alix into a vortex of secrets and lies.
The pacing is superb—every chapter feels like a mini cliffhanger, compelling you to turn the page just one more time. Jewell’s writing style is sharp and engaging, skillfully weaving together suspenseful moments with nuanced character exploration. I adored how the relationship between Alix and Josie oscillated between fascination and dread. Their interactions spark a sense of unease; Alix finds herself both enthralled and unsettled by Josie. This duality kept me on my toes, questioning who was truly in control.
What struck me particularly was how the narrative utilizes podcasting as a medium, cleverly reflecting on the true crime phenomenon we see in today’s entertainment landscape. Jewell does an impeccable job of portraying how Josie’s story unravels like a real-life crime documentary, making it not just a story to read but a multi-layered experience. The sections from the mock Netflix series flowed seamlessly, amplifying the tension and elevating the stakes. I found myself constantly wondering how far Josie would go as the story escalated.
Honestly, I can’t stress enough how immersive this book is. The psychological thrills are palpable, and I could feel my heart racing during the twists and turns. As I delved deeper into Alix’s psyche, I felt a mix of empathy and distrust that mirrored her own turmoil. At times, I was convinced I held the key to unraveling Josie’s enigma, only to be blindsided by stunning revelations.
Through this thrilling reading adventure, I also had the pleasure of buddy-reading it with my lovely niece, Lyss. It made for fantastic discussions about character motivations and plot predictions—highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their reading experience!
In conclusion, None of This Is True is a must-read for fans of fast-paced psychological thrillers or anyone intrigued by the intricacies of human relationships. If you’ve enjoyed Lisa Jewell’s previous works or simply love a good engrossing story, this one’s for you. It will certainly be a standout in my Favorites of the Year list, and I can’t wait to see what twisty delights Jewell concocts next. A huge thank you to Atria Books for this exhilarating read—I’m absolutely hooked!