"Take Me Apart"

"Take Me Apart"
Written by Sara Sligar
Reviewed by Diana Iozzia

"Take Me Apart" is an artistic and surprising thriller, which sets itself apart from others in the same genre. This exciting debut by Sara Sligar opens many new possibilities for the psychological thriller genre. Twisting upon the ever-present fear of distrust for those who care for you, Sligar's characters are tantalizing.

This story feels familiar, but in a nostalgic retelling method. The plot revolves around a main character, Kate, who begins archiving letters, photographs, and paperwork for the son of a late famous photographer, Miranda Brand. Kate starts to wonder and draw suspicions about the photographer and her life. Sligar makes it abundantly clear that there is ambiguity around Miranda's death, a possible suicide, or was it worse? Could someone have murdered her?

"Take Me Apart" is an interesting, guilty pleasure. Its characters are enigmatic. In learning about the glorified Miranda Brand through her belongings, we discover important details about her life with her husband, Jake, and the son who grows up to Kate's boss and romantic interest, Theo. I enjoyed the different forms of personal effects: Miranda's birth certificate, letters, progress reports, disciplinary board transcripts, news clippings, interviews, diaries, and lecture notes. The reader quickly discovers more about Miranda's fractured mental state. In the realistic and quiet example of "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty, the story delves into a true and honest portrayal of spousal abuse. I was also heavily reminded of the fictional fame, reminiscent of "Sunset Boulevard" and "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo".

There were some aspects of this story that I wasn't completely enamored of. I think that most of the figurative language was effective, but due to the author's predilection for creative writing, some of the more artistic elements were too exaggerated. For example, "Her mouth tasted like dishwater".

Either fortunately or unfortunately, the ending of this novel was ambiguous. This startling and refreshing novel was brilliant, but I felt a bit disappointed in the ending. However, the other ninety percent of this debut was perfect, in eyes. Additionally, I feel so strongly that this debut will take Sligar into instant stardom, once this book is fully published. I enjoyed the narrative style deeply. I already am expecting greatness from this author. I cannot wait to read her next book. Sara Sligar deserves every eye on her.

I highly recommend to those who enjoy thrillers by Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks, the Liv Constantine ladies, and Ruth Ware.

I received an advance review copy from Farrar, Straus, and Giroux in exchange for reading and reviewing purposes. Thank you again to the publisher. "Take Me Apart" premieres next year, on April 28th.