The Interview by Gill Perdue

I was given an ARC of this book and I found the topic disturbing but very well done.

The story is brutal. It’s written from three points of view in the first-person narrative – Laura, Jenny and Niamh. Each of the characters is well-developed, each distinctive, each interesting, each having a story of their own.

When Jenny is brought into the special interview with Laura (the interviewer) and Niamh (the note taker), the atmosphere is tense. A man is missing and something terrible has happened to others. The truth must be found but Jenny (witness, victim, criminal?) speaks of imaginary places and people.

I liked how the story was split into three perspectives – Jenny’s certainly gave insight into the horrors of her life. Laura’s secret is eating its way into her sanity, resurfacing because of this case and Jenny’s situation. Niamh is the happiest of them, and we understand why – she’s wise and loving and understanding.

The themes are harrowing but I don’t want to give spoilers. It’s fast-paced and definitely a page-turner. I thought the writing style suited the story, while the suspense and mystery heightened the experience.

Highly recommended, though be warned, it’s emotional and raw.