Book Review: The Boyfriend by Frieda
As a long-time fan of Frieda’s work, my excitement for The Boyfriend ran high. With her masterful knack for weaving tension and unraveling plots, I eagerly dove into the pages, hoping to once again be captivated by her storytelling. However, as I turned the final page, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of disappointment wash over me. While there were gems within the narrative, this journey ultimately fell short of my expectations.
Frieda’s writing style remains a shining highlight in this book. With each chapter, she effortlessly hooks you, coaxing you to forget about everything else—sleep, responsibilities, life itself. I often found myself whispering, “Just one more chapter,” only to realize I had plowed through half the night. The writing kept me immersed, especially in the dual perspectives woven into the narrative: Tom’s past and Sydney’s present.
Sadly, I found Sydney’s character unengaging and, frankly, a bit infuriating. Her self-absorption was palpable, and her desperate pursuit of romance overshadowed any depth I hoped to encounter. In the wake of her best friend’s tragic murder, her thoughts quickly shifted to her own love life—a move that felt rushed and insincere. It left me shaking my head, wondering how such a compelling backdrop could lead to such a frustrating main character. The disparity between her concerns and the gravity of her friend’s death made it challenging to connect with her.
On the flip side, Tom’s character intrigued me more. His past was filled with curiosity and charisma, making the mystery of his connection to Daisy and the escalating tension between characters compelling. The way Frieda crafted their dynamic felt authentic and engaging. Though I figured out some of the plot twists early on, the story still had moments that surprised me, especially toward the end.
One of my favorite moments was the jarring exploration of darker themes hinted at by the chilling quote: “I wonder what it’s like to cut into a person with a scalpel…" It foreshadowed the complexities and darker turns of the narrative that Frieda is often known for. Yet, as I expected an unforgettable twist to tie it all together, I felt let down. The ending left me wishing for a climactic turn that would turn everything on its head, a signature moment that Frieda is known for, but sadly, it never materialized.
Ultimately, I still found enjoyment in The Boyfriend, particularly in the past POV sections that danced with eccentric characters and hidden motives, which kept me on my toes. If you’re looking for a book that plays with themes of obsession and poor choices in relationships, you might find this narrative compelling. However, if complex, growth-oriented characters are what you seek, you may find yourself frustrated like I was.
Overall, this book is perfect for a cozy afternoon read or if you’re just in the mood to see how far one character can spiral into absurd decisions. For those of you who love deconstructing characters and their choices, grab your favorite reading buddy—perhaps I should thank Riri for her company through this rollercoaster! Here’s to more thrilling mysteries and maybe brainstorming a few better plots ourselves!
Happy reading, everyone! đź’ś