"The Last Mrs. Parrish"

“The Last Mrs. Parrish”

Written by Liv (Valerie and Lynne) Constantine

Review written by Diana Iozzia

            I have heard many people compare “The Last Mrs. Parrish” to “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. Often, when I hear this comparison, I think that the book cannot be that good. It cannot be worthy of the comparison. I think this bias has come from reading many books that were compared to “GG” and fell completely flat. “The Last Mrs. Parrish” should receive that comparison, because this is worthy of becoming a best-selling psychological thriller.

            I like to think of myself as a very critical writer. I’m very particular about what I enjoy reading, and once a book goes too far, it’s completely ruined for me. All too often, I find myself reaching that point, but this book does a great job of pulling you back from that breaking point. In “Gone Girl”, we read two different perspectives, and we find out that one perspective was completely manufactured and manipulated. This book review of “The Last Mrs. Parrish” is going to go into depth, but avoid the review if you feel you may be spoiled.

            “The Last Mrs. Parrish” very similar to “GG” in the dual perspective, where in the second perspective, you realize the story is completely different than you expected. You completely take the first perspective at face value. I had many questions and concerns throughout the first, but as soon as the second kicks in, it completely makes sense, similar to “GG”. Okay, that’s the last “GG” comparison.  I promise.

            This book begins with us learning of a woman named Amber Patterson, who has become obsessed with a very wealthy and elegant East Coast couple, the Parrishes. Jackson and Daphne Parrish are very lucky and very beautiful, living out their lives as a banker and the leader of a Cystic Fibrosis foundation respectively. Through Amber’s 3^rd person narrative, we read as she worms her way into the Parrish family, eventually seducing Jackson and betraying Daphne. This is all after Amber creates a false reality of her being a homely, sad woman without any career prospects.

            Then, the second narrative begins with Daphne’s second person, present tense narrative, as she speaks directly to the audience. Daphne explains Jackson’s true, evil nature. She also explains the truth, that she had made Jackson seem wonderfully appealing and herself unattractive and uncaring. She allowed for Amber to worm her way in, to escape from the Mr. Hyde-like husband she is abused by.

            This is a fantastic tale, slightly also reminiscent of a female version of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith. Naturally, no book comes without flaws, but I honestly cannot remember many. My disdain for Amber and my disrespect for Daphne’s naivety comes full circle as Daphne exacts her ‘revenge’, which is more about her finding an escape for her and her daughters. I thought to myself, “How can Daphne not be suspicious of Amber”? Well. Naturally, she had planned it all along.

            With most of my reviews, I like annotating the sections or pages that I had used a Post-It-Note to tag and mark for my review. (Usually, this is a section full of complaints and issues I had with the books I read, but like I said, I absolutely loved the book).

            1. The first chapter and introduction to Amber and Daphne is very mysterious and creepy. Yep, a great hook into a brand-new book.

            2. The gradual unfolding of information about Amber’s real life and past is great, because it doesn’t hit you over the head with yes, she is a terrible person! Okay. She’s bad. Yep. Evil. Absolutely horrible.

            3. YMB was a phrase written on the gun found in the Parrish home. It took me forever to understand, but I guess it was a satisfying reveal? Meh. However, the gun found reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense theory. Let the audience know there is a bomb under the table. Let one character know the bomb is there. Create the suspense until the audience is desperate to see when the bomb explodes.

            4. The locations are very descriptive and pleasant to read. The Parrish beach house, boat, real house, museums. Yee.

            5. This book is teasingly and irritatingly “convenient”. Oh, of course Daphne’s children are sick the one night Amber and Jackson can be alone. Until the second perspective reveal, it sounds like bad storytelling.

            6. My sympathy is so earnest and true for Daphne and her children.

            7. Jackson and Amber deserve everything that’s coming to them.

            8. For a psychological thriller, I’m very glad that it was more about manipulation and betrayal than murder and violence (Think “Girl on the Train”).

            9. The manipulation and planning from both women is excellent, even if you’re only rooting for one of them.

           

            In conclusion, this is a rare time that I enjoyed a book as much as I did. This is definitely receiving five stars in my review, but for a person who mainly gives three stars, please realize that a five-star review really holds meaning. I received an advanced review copy of this book in paperback form. Then, I was sent a final hardcover print copy of the book, and I was absolutely thrilled. This means that I can keep the finished copy in perfect form in my collection, and also lend my ARC copy to everyone I know, so they can enjoy this book too. Thank you for reading, and as always, please let me know what you think of the book, and if we share any opinions!