Finding the Balance: A Review of Alice Feeney’s Good Bad Girl
As a self-proclaimed Feeney Fangirl, I was buzzing with anticipation for Good Bad Girl. Alice Feeney has consistently wowed me with her enthralling narratives and jaw-dropping twists. However, as I settled in with this latest novel, I found myself grappling with an unexpected disconnect. With my usual fervor, I anticipated being swept away in a whirlwind of suspense, yet this book took me weeks to finish. How could a Feeney read cause me to pause and ponder, rather than devour it in a few exhilarating nights?
At its heart, Good Bad Girl explores the complex bonds between four women: Clio, Edith, Patience, and Frankie. Each character’s journey intersects around a tragic past—a baby snatched away and a present-day murder. The delightful Edith, whom I found myself captivated by, adds a sprightly touch, mourning the loss of her friend while navigating her fraught relationship with her daughter Clio. Alongside Patience, who sneaks in Edith’s dog, Dickens, and Frankie, a prison librarian yearning for reconnection with her estranged daughter, the dynamics are set for a rich exploration of crime, loss, and maternal ties.
However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was waiting for a punch that never quite landed. Perhaps it was the narration style, which fluctuated between first and third person. This switching made the narrative feel jumbled rather than engaging, and at times I struggled to feel fully immersed in any character’s internal world. Each voice, while unique, felt like it pulled me in different directions, leaving me longing for the clarity and focus I’ve come to adore in Feeney’s work.
What’s particularly interesting is the shift in genre. While I enjoy domestic suspense, a departure from the thrilling twists and suspenseful pacing of her previous novels felt bittersweet. In this exploration of motherhood and the intricacies of female relationships, the stakes didn’t feel as high. The red herrings were there, but they failed to leave me breathless. I wanted the revelations to ignite the same spark of enthusiasm I felt when devouring her earlier works, yet I found myself feeling merely curious, rather than captivated.
Despite these reservations, I appreciated the thematic undercurrents that Feeney explored—questions about identity, choice, and the weight of familial obligation. There’s a goldmine of introspection here waiting to be tapped, particularly when covering such a profound topic as motherhood. The premise had the potential to resonate deeply, but it ultimately left me yearning for more emotional depth.
While Good Bad Girl may not have fully resonated with me as previous novels have, I still see its value to readers seeking a narrative focused more on character reflection than pure thrills. Fans of domestic suspense, along with those who are deeply invested in the nuances of mother-daughter relationships, may find much to appreciate.
In the end, while I felt a tinge of disappointment, my admiration for Feeney remains steadfast. In her next work, Beautiful Ugly, I await the return of that heart-stopping suspense I adore. Perhaps this journey into the intricacies of “good” and “bad” women was a necessary step for her—and for me as her reader—a reflection of how even the best can occasionally chart a course off the beaten path. Here’s to hoping we’ll find the twists waiting just around the corner!