It’s been a hot minute! Sorry for seemingly vanishing off the face of the earth. Life has very much been lifeing. Big and scary decisions made, but hopefully it will turn out for the good. Life is going to be topsy-turvy for a while yet. I don’t mean to sound like a cryptic crossword or like one of those people who checks into the hospital on their Facebook. This isn’t a “U ok, hun?” moment. I will explain more soon, but adventures hopefully await. I do need to keep reminding myself because change can feel scary!
I’ve also been into hospital and I had some polyps removed from my womb and bowel. All the glamour over here! The good news is that the polyp and biopsies on my womb came back clear. I have an appointment next week to talk over the bowel findings. But take this as your reminder to get your colonoscopy. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, but if caught early it’s very treatable. You can find more information on bowel cancer here.
Anyway, how are you? How have you been? Let me know.
Today I am reviewing One of the good guys by Araminta Hall. Please be aware that I’ve tried to review this novel without giving away any spoilers. However, the nature of the novel means that is impossible. Therefore, there are spoilers below for the character for Cole. The rest I have managed to keep locked down!
One of the good guys by Araminta Hall
One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall is a novel that really managed to get under my skin. In fact, I initially took such a dislike to the narrator – Cole – that at one point I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish the novel. But that’s the point. We realise pretty early on that despite his protestations about being a feminist, caring and wanting to be a father, he is in fact, definitely, not one of the good guys.
I do enjoy a novel with an unreliable narrator. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, being excellent examples. The novel starts from the perspective of Cole who has just moved to the south coast. We learn that he is escaping the end of his marriage and that he apparently wants to live a simpler life, working the land. He then meets Lennie, a reclusive artist and as their relationship develops, he tells us how heartbroken he is by the breakdown of his marriage and how all he wanted to do was care for his wife.
Who can you trust?
At first I felt like I was losing my mind when I read this novel, there was just something about the Cole character. I didn’t trust him and something seemed off. He made my skin crawl and that is exactly the point. The author wants to make you feel very uneasy. As the novel develops it’s almost a relief when you realise that your initial suspicions are correct and that this isn’t someone you can trust.
There is also the mystery of two girls who disappear after an altercation with Cole. They were walking the coastline as a way of protesting against male violence and they filmed an aggressive interaction with Cole, in which he becomes frustrated with them as they won’t listen to his instructions to move away from the cliff edge. Was he intimidating them though or was he just trying to keep them safe?
I don’t want to say too much without giving it away, but it’s a book that I’m still mulling over now. I wouldn’t say it’s an enjoyable read because it’s deeply unsettling and dark. But it’s thought provoking and there are plenty of twists. But, you may guess the ending before it happens, so don’t buy this book if you are looking for a mystery thriller with a big surprise. This novel isn’t that.
Did it pull the rug from under me?
I’ve read other reviews where they said that the author managed to pull the rug from under them, for me personally, that didn’t feel like it was the case. Although, I could still appreciate this novel for what it was doing. I also found the ending frustrating. Perhaps because it feels true to life, in that some things never change. I want to say more but if I do I will give away the ending and I don’t want to spoil it for you.
This is a novel that lingers and leaves you with a sense of dread. There will be many, many women who have encountered someone like Cole, and that’s what makes it even more chilling. All of us will have read newspaper articles about men like him and we’ve seen how social media plays into that.
The premise for this novel is strong and I think the author has really done a brilliant job with the character of Cole, but some of the other characters didn’t seem as believable and the plot felt a little far-fetched at times. But this is a very relevant novel and it deals with complex issues in a way that is easy to follow. This isn’t a book to read if you like neat endings. You will be left with many questions and that’s precisely the point. If you are looking for a gripping read, then this is it. It’s also a book that could lead to some interesting discussions.
Have you read One of the Good Guys? I would love to hear your thoughts. I’m still undecided.
Want to buy the book?
One of the good guys by Araminta Hall is available to purchase from all good bookshops. If you fancy supporting The Bookish Magpie you can purchase it here using my affiliate link :-).
Have you read any good books lately?