Sometimes I Lie, by Alice Feeney is a psychological thriller, a genre that I rarely choose as I don’t like to sleep with the light on. But having survived The Girl on the Train, I thought I would try Feeney’s novel on the recommendation of a friend. I did not end up checking under the bed or in the closet, but this story definitely got me thinking that I didn’t really know what to believe or who to trust.
Our main character, Amber, begins by telling us a little about herself:
My name is Amber Reynolds.
There are three things you should know about me:
1. I'm in a coma.
2. My Husband doesn't love me anymore.
3. Sometimes I lie.
Amber lies in hospital in a coma hearing all that goes on around her, but not being able to open her eyes or to speak. Through her listening she begins to piece together and remember what happened in the week leading up to her current state, and the reader is learning right along with her. The chapters alternate between Amber’s thoughts in her hospital room, the events of the week before and Amber’s childhood diaries.
There are so many twists and turns as we read along, at one point I had to go back and read a piece again as I just couldn’t believe what I had read.
I am sorry I can’t tell you anymore without giving away the plot, but you can easily find out for yourself (and I recommend you do) as it is a quick, suspenseful read all the way through.
Helen Varga is a library technician at the Steveston Branch of the Richmond Public Library. For other popular reading suggestions check out Richmond Public Library's website.
