The Perks Of Being A Book Addict discussion
ARCHIVE - BOTM discussions
>
The Only One Left - No Spoilers Thread
date
newest »
newest »
I just finished this one and it was the first book I read by Riley Sager. It was easy to read, but you had to suspend your disbelief a lot. I'm not sure if this is typical of his writing. I gave it 3.5★.
I started a little early and am 14% of the way in. So far feeling like a spooky read just in time for Halloween!
I’m done early for once! 3.5 stars for me. The main character, Kitt, didn’t resonate with me - her speaking style, or why she would have been so forceful to learn what happened the night of the murders in the house. You always need to suspend some disbelief in this genre but she just didn’t seem realistic to me. I did not guess the plot twists and also felt a few of them were beyond belief. That said, I did keep reading well into the night so it kept me coming back! I’ve enjoyed other books by this author and will keep reading his work. Also a great suspense/Halloweenie book club choice.
Started this a few days ago and I'm about 1/3 through. I have read a few books from this author and have mostly Loved them, I hope this won't disappoint! At the very least I never have trouble reading his stories or finishing them, they are usually entertaining :)
Just finished and he didn’t disappoint! I love this authors writing style. He always keeps me guessing and even when I think I’ve figured out the story I’m always surprised with the twist and turns he takes. His stories are truly entertaining and I would recommend them to anyone! This story definitely took twists that, at least for me, were unexpected and I love how he gave us the whole story and beyond !
I just finished the book. To start, it is an easy read - the writing is smooth and read pretty fast. The double narrative was also well executed and went without issues. Where I would give only 3.5* is that the end of the story is relatively unbelievable and unrealistic. Then it is about reading the end of the book more than being absorbed by the story because although all is staged into the 20th century, the unfolding of the story is not plausible. At least it does have quite some twists for sure.
I have been hooked with Riley Sager's books recently and very much enjoyed this one as well. He does an amazing job at keeping you wondering and trying to piece it all together. Only for there to be a plot twist. I give this 3.75 stars.
Just finished, 3 stars from meThe story is twisty but too soapy for me, with some crazy busy ending and is not very believable. 🙄
I finished it. I almost gave up and gave it a DNF status. But I finally finished it. I had a lot of unanswered questions so that gave me the reason to finish. I gave it a 3.5 so I rounded up to a 4.
I agree with most comments above. I would give 3.5 as well. I enjoyed the book, but felt like they were trying to cram in too many twisty turns that made it seem a bit unbelievable.
Please discuss here and remember to use spoiler tags as needed, as everyone reads at different speeds and may start at different times.
At seventeen, Lenora Hope
Hung her sister with a rope
Now reduced to a schoolyard chant, the Hope family murders shocked the Maine coast one bloody night in 1929. While most people assume seventeen-year-old Lenora was responsible, the police were never able to prove it. Other than her denial after the killings, she has never spoken publicly about that night, nor has she set foot outside Hope’s End, the cliffside mansion where the massacre occurred.
Stabbed her father with a knife
Took her mother’s happy life
It’s now 1983, and home-health aide Kit McDeere arrives at a decaying Hope’s End to care for Lenora after her previous nurse fled in the middle of the night. In her seventies and confined to a wheelchair, Lenora was rendered mute by a series of strokes and can only communicate with Kit by tapping out sentences on an old typewriter. One night, Lenora uses it to make a tantalizing offer—I want to tell you everything.
“It wasn’t me,” Lenora said
But she’s the only one not dead
As Kit helps Lenora write about the events leading to the Hope family massacre, it becomes clear there’s more to the tale than people know. But when new details about her predecessor’s departure come to light, Kit starts to suspect Lenora might not be telling the complete truth—and that the seemingly harmless woman in her care could be far more dangerous than she first thought.
Book Club Questions:
(view spoiler)[
1. The Only One Left explores the theme of isolation and survival. How does the author create a sense of claustrophobia and tension within the setting? How does this contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story?
2. The main character is faced with the difficult decision to trust or suspect others. Discuss the theme of trust in the novel and how it evolves throughout the narrative.
3. The book is structured as a mystery, with layers of secrets and revelations. Were you able to anticipate the twists and turns, or did the story surprise you? How did the author keep you engaged and guessing?
4. The protagonist undergoes a transformation throughout the story. How does her character develop and change as the events unfold? Were you satisfied with her arc?
5. Discuss the role of secondary characters in The Only One Left. How do they contribute to the suspense and the overall narrative? Which characters stood out to you and why?
6. The Only One Left explores themes of survival, resilience, and the lengths one would go to stay alive. How did these themes resonate with you? Did they provoke any introspection or reflection?
7. The novel incorporates elements of psychological suspense and a sense of the unknown. How does the author create and maintain a sense of unease and anticipation? Were there any particular scenes or moments that stood out in terms of tension?
8. The book raises questions about the nature of identity, truth, and perception. How do these themes play out in the story? Did the ending provide satisfying answers or leave you with lingering questions?
(Discussion Questions by PrincetonBookReview (hide spoiler)]