One of my favorite types of books to read involves an unreliable narrator. I just don’t know what’s true or not, or even if the narrator knows. The slow reveal is AGONY but I love it. Here are 3 of my favorite novels that involve unreliable narrators.
Before I Go to Sleep, S.J. Watson
What if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love – all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story. Welcome to Christine’s life.
Before I Go to Sleep is an exploration of identity, trust and a balanced blend of emotion and suspense. What makes this novel truly compelling is Watson’s ability to finesse the storyline so flawlessly that the reader quickly becomes immersed in Christine’s world without pausing to question the plausibility of her amnesia. Instead of nitpicking over the logistics of her condition, I found myself deeply connecting with her and her plight, urging to uncover the secrets buried within her fragmented mind. The atmosphere is thick with tension as Watson masterfully constructs an environment layered with suspicion and doubt. The slow reveal of Christine’s life and the mysteries surrounding her are what I loved the most. Watson’s technique of intensifying suspense in subtle layers is nothing short of brilliant. Each twist unfolds with a careful pacing that encourages you to remain engaged rather than overwhelmed.
Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl is a masterclass in psychological suspense, delivering a roller-coaster ride of a narrative that grips you from the very first page. At the heart of the story is the shocking disappearance of Nick Dunne’s wife, Amy. That’s all you really need to know to dive into this dark and twisted tale. Gillian Flynn weaves the story through alternating point-of-views of Nick and Amy, creating a labyrinthine world where nothing is as it seems. Initially, Nick serves as the unreliable narrator, leaving readers questioning his innocence right from the start. Just when you think you understand the dynamics at play, Flynn switches gears and lets Amy take the lead halfway through the book. This switch adds a delicious layer of complexity and makes you wonder what really happened to Amy.
And make no mistake, the characters are not your typical protagonists. They are delightfully UNLIKABLE, a testament to Flynn’s skill at creating morally ambiguous characters that pull you in even further. You might find yourself feeling conflicted about who to root for – or if you should care at all. This makes the experience all the more intense as you’re forced to confront your own reactions to their choices.
The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life – as she sees it – is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train.
Alcohol induced memory loss is making Rachel a bit fuzzy on the details of her life. She’s not the most sympathetic main character, as she is bumbling and brings a lot of things on herself – but that’s what draws you into the book. I never quite knew when I was rooting for her or against her. The Girl on the Train takes a regular, everyday concept and turns it into a nail biting thriller, where a “girl on a train” becomes a key witness for a missing person. You’ll get several different point of views here, from the past, the present and from various people. Absolutely everyone could not trusted and had their own secrets.
Have you read any of the books mentioned? What did you think? Which books would you add to the list?
