★★★★
SYNOPSIS:
Lexie loves her home. She feels safe and secure in it – and loved, thanks to her boyfriend Tom.
But recently, something’s not been quite right. A book out of place. A wardrobe door left open. A set of keys going missing…
Tom thinks Lexie’s going mad – but then, he’s away more often than he’s at home nowadays, so he wouldn’t understand.
Because Lexie isn’t losing it. She knows there’s someone out there watching her. And, deep down, she knows there’s nothing she can do to make them stop…
(Taken from Goodreads)
MY THOUGHTS:
Firstly, look at that cover!! I love how the image is so visual and gives you a clear insight, along with the title, about what the book is about. Two neighbours, both women, living side by side with just a wall separating them. Then paired with the synopsis you know you are in for a real psychological treat of a book. And I was not disappointed.
This is the perfect example of how the grass is not always greener. Two neighbours, living just the other side of a wall picture each others lives to be much more quintessential than they really are. As the story progresses you get to see the flaws and insecurities that both characters have and this in turn impacts their own perception of their neighbour, building them up to be something that they are not. I think we all have moments of insecurities and believing that other people have the perfect lives, so it was really insightful to see how this misconception was highlighted in the novel. The heartbreaking theme of miscarriage and infertility was prominent in Lexie's story whilst the themes of rejection and loneliness was central to Harriet's. Although one character is portrayed more as the victim it was hard not to feel empathy towards both of these women. Both were extremely vulnerable, isolated and lonely; and had they got the chance to get to know one another, could have become close friends. For me this was the crux of the novel: looking at how women, in particular, view other women and how often instead of becoming allies they become enemies. As the story progresses it becomes more tense and harrowing. The reader is given insight into the mental disorders that are brewing within both of the characters, with one of these characters becoming more volatile and potentially violent. This is where the creepy thriller genre of the novel seeps in and becomes very addictive as you read the different characters points of view through alternating chapters as the tension builds. A really enjoyable, psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for a copy of Through The Wall.
I was also fortunate enough to receive a free audiobook copy for signing up to the Avon newsletter. This was actually my first ever audiobook and I loved the experience. Not only did it allow me to listen to the story whilst on the go and driving, but it also gave me a whole new 'book' experience of hearing the voices of the two characters and letting them filtrate through me. Many thanks once again to Avon Books UK for this pleasurable experience.